.^__  ^i 


FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 
REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.   D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE   LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


Cc^^LOOv^,    ()>       >'    ^^.i- 


^o 


J/L 


T-ji- 


^ 


C-».>W^ 


.-?-■ 


(J    &    To  Vvvu*-;^^^ 


0<£l_ 


o..^ 


.n%c>. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/transOOsmit 


.1  G^ 


•/;;.o' 


JUM  1  1936 


TRANSLATIONS 


OF 


Latin  Hymns 


OF  THE 


MIDDLE  AGES. 


M.E. 


^.ers 


MDCCCLXXIX 


JAMES  KH<K  &  SONS,  PRINTERS, 
DOVER,  DELAWARE. 


Preface. 


The  following  Latin  Hymns,  selected  from  the  collection 
published  by  Dr.  Marsh  of  Lafayette  College,  undoubtedly 
possess  more  than  ordinary  merit.  To  have  rendered  all  the 
Hymns  would  have  unduly  swelled  the  work.  The  selections 
have  been  made  so  as  to  present  as  many  authors  as  could 
conveniently  be  embraced  within  its  compass.  It  will  be 
highly  gratifying  to  me  if  the  translations  shall  adequately 
convey  the  meaning  of  the  originals.  I  cannot  hope  to  have 
succeeded  in  transfusing  their  spirit. 

N.  B.  S:\IITHERS. 


In   Resurrectione   Domini. 

AUCTOR  INCERTUS. 


IN  RESURRECTIONE  DOMINI. 


Pone  luctum,  Magdalena ! 

Et  serena  lacrymas : 
Non  est  jam  Simonis  coena, 

Non,  cur  Hetum  exprimas: 
Causae  mille  sunt  laetandi, 
Causae  mille  exultandi : 

Halleluia ! 

Sume  risum,  Mao^dalena  ! 

Frons  nitescat  lucida  ; 
Demigravit  omnis  poena, 

Lux  coruscat  fulglda : 
Christus  mundum  liberavit, 
Et  de  morte  triumphavit ! 

Halleluia ! 

Gaude,  plaude,  Magdalena ! 

Tumba  Christus  exiit  I 
Tristis  est  peracta  scena, 

Victor  mortis  rediit ; 
Quem  deflebas  morientem, 
Nunc  arride  resurgentem ! 

Halleluia ! 


Tolle  vultum,  Magdalena  ! 

Redivivum  aspice : 
Vide,  frons  quam  sit  amoena, 

Quinque  plagas  inspice : 
Fulgent,  sic  ut  margaritae, 
Ornamenta  novae  vitae. 

Halleluia ! 

Vive,  vive,  Magdalena ! 

Tua  lux  reversa  est, 
Gaudiis  turgescat  vena, 

Mortis  vis  abstersa  est ; 
Moesti  procul  sunt  dolores, 
Laeti  redeant  amorcs ! 

Halleluia ! 


The   Resurrection. 

AUTHOR  UNKNOWN. 


This  is  a  sweet  Resurrection  Hymn,  of  which  neither  the  age  nor  the  author 
is  known.  Inasmuch  as  the  opinion  was  current  in  the  Middle  Ages,  that  Mary 
Magdalen  was  Mary,  the  sister  of  Lazarus,  and  as  the  language  of  the  Hymn  is 
manifestly  taken  from  John's  Gospel,  I  have  not  hesitated  to  render  "  Simonis  " 
as  "  the  leper." 


THE   RESURRECTION. 


Magdalena,  grief  dispelling, 
Bid  thy  tears  no  longer  flow, 

This  is  not  the  leper's  dwelling. 
This  is  not  the  hour  of  woe  ; 

Thousand  reasons  now  for  joying, 

Thousand  more  for  praise  employing : 

Halleluia ! 

Magdalena,  sorrow  banish, 
Jocund  laughter  fits  the  day, 

Now  the  gloomy  shadows  vanish, 
Now  the  gladsome  sunbeams  play ; 

Christ  has  come,  for  man  atoning. 

Death  himself  through  death  dethroning 

Halleluia ! 

Magdalena,  cease  thy  mourning, 

Christ  has  burst  the  rock-hewn  tomb ; 

Death's  Destroyer,  see  returning, 
Ended  now  the  scene  of  gloom  : 

He,  who  caused  thy  tears  when  dying, 

Asks  not  grief  but  glorifying : 

Halleluia  ! 


Magdalena,  vainly  pining, 

Haste  thy  risen  Lord  to  greet ; 
See  his  brow  serenely  shining, 

See  his  hands  and  wounded  feet, 
Wounds,  that  once  with  blood  were  streaming, 
Now  like  precious  rubies  gleaming : 

Halleluia ! 

Magdalena,  joy  for  sadness, 

Christ,  thy  light  of  life  is  here ; 
Let  thy  veins  now  swell  with  gladness, 

Doom  of  death  no  longer  fear ; 
Nevermore  from  Christ  to  sever, 
Death  but  gives  thee  Christ  forever  : 

Halleluia !" 


De  S.   Stephano. 

ADAM  DE  SC.  VICTORE. 


DE  S.  STEPHANO. 


Heri  mundus  exultavit, 
Et  exultans  celebravit 

Chrlsti  natalitia : 
Herl  chorus  angelorum 
Prosecutus  est  coelorum 

Regem  cum  laetitia. 

Protomartyr  et  Levita, 
Clarus  fide,  clarus  vita, 

Clarus  et  miraculis. 
Sub  hac  luce  triumphavit, 
Et  triumphans  Insultavit 

Stephanus  incredulis. 

Fremunt  ergo  tanquam  ferae, 
Quia  victi  defecere 

Lucis  adversarii ; 
Falsos  testes  statuunt, 
Et  linguas  exacuunt 

Viperarum  filii. 


i6 

Agonista,  nulli  cede ; 
Certa  certus  de  mercede, 

Persevera,  Stephane : 
Insta  falsis  testibus, 
Confuta  sermonibus 

Synagogam  Satana^. 

Testis  tuus  est  in  coells, 
Testis  verax  et  fidelis, 

Testis  innocentiae  ; 
Nomen  habes  Coronati, 
Te  tormenta  decet  pati 

Pro  corona  gloriae. 

Pro  corona  non  marcenti 
Perfer  brevis  vim  tormenti, 

Te  manet  victoria ; 
Tibi  fiet  mors,  natalis, 
Tibi  poena  terminalis 

Dat  vitai  primordia. 

Plenus  Sancto  Spiritu 
Penetrat  intuitu 

Stephanus  coelestia, 
Videns  Dei  gloriam 
Crescit  ad  victoriam, 

Suspirat  ad  praemia. 


17 

En  a  dextris  Dei  stantem 
Jesum,  pro  te  dimicantem, 

Stephane,  considera : 
Tibi  coelos  reserari, 
Tibi  Christum  revelari 

Clama  voce  libera. 


Se  commendat  Salvatori, 
Pro  quo  dulce  ducit  mori 

Sub  ipsis  lapidibus : 
Saulus  servat  omnium 
Vestes  lapidantium, 

Lapidans  in  omnibus. 

Ne  peccatum  statuatur 
His,  a  quibus  lapidatur, 
Genu  ponit  et  precatur, 

Condolens  insaniae  : 
In  Christo  sic  obdormivit, 
Qui  Christo  sic  obedivit, 
Et  cum  Christo  semper  vivit, 

Martyrum  primitise. 


St.  Stephen's  Martyrdom, 

ADAM  OF  ST.  VICTOR. 


The  author  lived  in  the  12th  century.  He  is  placed  by  critics  very  high 
on  the  roll  of  Latin  Poets  of  the  Middle  Ages.  He  was  a  monk  of  the  foun- 
dation of  St.  Victor.  The  Martyrdom  of  Stephen  is  considered  by  many  as  his 
masterpiece. 


ST.  STEPHEN'S  MARTYRDOM. 


Yesterday,  with  joy  elated, 
Earth  the  advent  celebrated 

Of  David's  Son  and  Lord : 
Yesterday,  their  homage  bringing, 
Angel  choirs,  hosannahs  singing. 

Their  new  crowned  King  adored. 


Lo,  to-day,  where  zealous  Stephen, 
Full  of  faith  and  power  from  heaven 

And  full  of  holy  grace, 
Now  disputing,  now  insulting, 
Stands  triumphing  and  exulting 

O'er  Israel's  faithless  race. 


Round  him  throng,  with  red  eyes  flashing. 
Ravening  wolves  whose  teeth  are  gnashing 

And  thirsting  for  his  blood : 
Lying  tongues  against  him  setting, 
Venomed  fangs  with  malice  whetting, 

Behold  the  viper's  brood. 


22 


Manful  wrestler,  nothing  bending, 
Steadfast  for  the  prize  contending. 

Good  Stephen,  hold  thy  ground 
Perjured  witnesses  assailing, 
Rage,  with  reason  countervailing, 

Hell's  synagogue  confound. 


Christ,  thy  witness,  is  in  heaven. 
Witness  true  and  faithful,  Stephen, 

Who  on  thy  fight  looks  down  ; 
Mindful  of  the  name  thou  bearest, 
Bravely  show  thou  nothing  fearest. 

Thus  striving  for  thy  crown. 

Fadeless  crown  of  bliss  securing, 
Little  while  the  pain  enduring, 

Victory  ends  thy  strife  ; 
Glory,  transient  grief  is  bringing. 
Dawn  of  day  through  death  is  springing. 

The  dawn  of  endless  life. 


Holy  Spirit  him  imbuing 

And  with  heavenly  sight  enduing, 

He  penetrates  the  skies ; 
God's  supernal  glory  viewing, 
Strength  for  victory  renewing, 

He  pants  to  win  the  prize. 


23 

Lo !  at  God's  right  hand  contending, 
Jesus  stands,  assistance  lending, 

There,  Stephen,  fix  thine  eye ; 
See,  the  heavens  are  unsealing, 
Christ,  himself  to  thee  revealing. 

Attends  thy  dying  cry. 


Loudly  to  his  Savior  crying, 
Gladly  Christ  thus  glorifying, 

He  calmly  yields  his  breath ; 
While  his  foes  the  stones  are  heaping, 
Zealot  Saul  their  clothes  is  keeping, 

Consenting  to  his  death. 

Humbly  kneeling,  naught  gainsaying, 
Naught  against  his  slayers  laying, 
Meekly  to  his  Father  praying. 

Their  crime  to  disregard. 
Thus  in  Christ  he  sweetly  sleepeth, 
Who  the  law  of  Christ  thus  keepeth. 
And,  to  Christ  thus  faithful,  reapeth 

The  martyr  s  first  reward. 


In  Dedicatione  Ecclesi^, 

ADAM  DE  SC.  VICTORE. 


D 


IN  DEDICATIONE  ECCLESI^. 


Quam  dilecta  tabernacla 

Domini  et  atria ! 
Quam  electl  architect!, 

Tuta  aedlficia, 
Quae  non  movent,  immo  fovent, 

Ventus,  flumen,  pluvia ! 

Quam  decora  fundamenta. 
Per  conclnna  sacramenta 

Umbrae  praecurrentia ; 
Latus  Adae  dormientis 
Evam  fudit  In  manentis 

Copulae  primordla. 

Area  llgno  fabrlcata 
Noe  servat,  gubernata 

Per  mundi  diluvium  ; 
Prole  sera  tandem  foeta, 
Anus  Sara  ridet  laeta. 

Nostrum  lactans  Gaudium. 


28 

Servus  bibit  qui  legatur, 
Et  camelus  adaquatur 

Ex  Rebeccae  hydria ; 
Haec  inaures  et  armillas 
Aptat  sibi,  ut  per  illas 

Viro  fiat  congrua. 


Synagoga  supplantatur 
A  Jacob,  dum  divagatur 

Nimis  freta  lirerae  ; 
Lippam  Llam  latent  multa, 
Quibus  videns  Rachel  fulta 

Pari  nubit  foedere. 


In  bivio  tegens  nuda, 
Gemlnos  pant  ex  luda 

Thamar  diu  vidua ; 
Hie  Moyses  a  puella, 
Dum  se  lavat,  in  fiscella 

Reperitur  scirpea. 


Hie  mas  agnus  immolatur, 
Quo  Israel  satiatur 

Tinctus  ejus  sanguine ; 
Hie  transitur  rubens  unda, 
^gyptios  sub  profunda 

Obruens  voragine. 


29 

HIc  est  urna  manna  plena, 
HIc  mandata  legis  dena, 

Sed  In  area  foederis  ; 
Hie  sunt  aedls  ornamenta, 
Hie  Aaron  Indumenta, 

Quae  praeeedit  poderls. 

Hie  Urias  viduatur, 
Barsabee  sublimatur, 

Sedls  eonsors  regiae  : 
Haee  Regi  varietate 
Vestis  astat  deauratae, 

Sieut  regum  fillae. 

Hue  venit  Austrl  regina, 
Salomonis  quam  divina 

Condit  sapientia  ; 
Haee  est  nigra,  sed  formosa, 
Myrrhae  et  turis  fumosa 

Virga  pigmentarla. 


Haee  futura,  quae  figura 
Obumbravit,  reseravit 

Nobis  dies  gratlae  ; 
Jam  in  leeto  eum  dileeto 
Quieseamus,  et  psallamus, 

Adsunt  enim  nuptiae. 


3P 

Quarum  tonat  initium 
In  tubis  epulantium, 
Et  finis  per  psalterlum  ; 
Sponsum  millena  millia 
Una  laudant  melodia. 
Sine  fine  dicentia, 
Alleluia.     Amen. 


The  Dedication  of  a  Church. 

ADAM  OF  ST.  VICTOR. 


This  Hymn,  by  the  same  author  as  the  preceding,  is  a  recital  of  some 
of  the  facts  narrated  in  the  Old  Testament  and  an  application  of  them  as  types 
of  the  Gospel  dispensation.  Though  in  some  respects  their  representative 
character  may  seem  fanciful,  yet,  for  the  most  part,  they  are  strikingly  appro- 
priate and  the  conceptions  exceedingly  beautiful. 


THE  DEDICATION  OF  A  CHURCH, 


How  lovely  are  thy  temples,  Lord, 
Thy  mansions  how  secure, 

Whose  strong  abutments,  firmly  laid 
By  builders  skilled  and  sure. 

Assailed  in  vain,  by  wind  and  rain, 
Still  harden  and  endure. 


Precious  stones  of  their  foundation, 
Through  the  shadowy  dispensation, 

In  symbols  are  supplied  ; 
Adam's  side,  In  sleep,  is  broken, 
Yielding  Eve,  the  beauteous  token 

Of  Christ's  celestial  Bride. 


Safely  in  the  ark  abiding, 
Noah  sees  the  waves  subsiding. 

That  all  beside  destroy  ; 
Then  with  age  old  Sarah  stricken, 
Feels  her  dead  conception  quicken, 

And  laughs  to  nurse  our  Joy. 

33 


34 

From  her  pitcher,  Nahor's  daughter 
Gives  the  thirsty  servant  water 

And  for  his  camels  cares ; 
Bridal  gifts,  Rebecca  wearing, 
Bracelets  rare  and  golden  ear-ring, 

To  please  her  lord  prepares. 


Jacob  takes  his  father's  blessing. 
Erring  Esau  dispossessing, 

Unto  the  spirit  blind; 
Leah  stumbles,  naught  perceiving. 
Clear-eyed  Rachel  walks  believing, 

In  equal  wedlock  joined. 


By  the  highway,  closely  veiling, 
Tamar  sits,  her  face  concealing 

And  twins  to  Judah  bears ; 
Egypt's  princess  Moses  spying 
In  the  ark  of  rushes  lying 

Compassionates  his  tears. 


Here  the  paschal  lamb  is  bleeding, 
On  whose  flesh  all  Israel  feeding. 

Their  lintels  stain  with  blood ; 
Here  the  Red  Sea,  backward  massing 
Holds  its  waves,  for  Moses  passing. 

Then  Pharoah  whelms  in  flood. 


35 

Here  the  manna,  God's  protection, 
Ten  commandments,  God's  direction, 

The  Ark  of  Witness  bears ; 
Here  the  vessels  dedicated, 
Priestly  garments  consecrated, 

But  chief,  what  Aaron  wears. 


Here  Uriah  goes  to  slaughter. 
While,  arrayed  like  prince's  daughter 

In  garb  of  Tyrlan  dye 
Wrought  with  golden  threads  of  Ophir, 
Close  beside  her  royal  lover, 

Stands  Bathsheba  on  high. 


Sheba's  Queen,  whom  rumor  reaching, 
Comes  with  gifts,  the  wondrous  teaching 

Of  David's  son  to  hear. 
Black  but  comely  is  her  favor, 
Pillared  smoke,  her  gait  and  savor, 

Perfumed  with  burning  myrrh. 


Unfulfilled  In  shadow  lying. 
What  each  presage  signifying. 

To  us,  by  grace,  is  clear, 
Now  upon  his  bosom  resting, 
Lauding  Christ,  himself  attesting 

The  marriage  day  Is  here. 


36 

In  Judah's  courts  the  trump  has  ceased, 
No  more  is  sacrifice  or  priest, 
Now  harps  begin  the  Gospel  feast ; 
The  Bridegroom  hailing,  hymns  of  praise 
Ten  thousand  thousand  voices  raise, 
And  ceaseless  chant  through  endless  days. 
Hallelula.     Amen. 


Vanitas  Mundi. 

BERNARDUS  CLARAVALLENSIS. 


VANITAS  MUNDI. 


Quum  sit  omnis  homo  foenum, 
Et  post  foenum  fiat  coenum, 

Ut  quid,  homo,  extollerls  ? 
Cerne  quid  es  et  quid  eris : 
Modo  flos  es,  et  verterls 

In  favIUam  cinerls. 


Per  setatum  Incrementa, 
Immo  magis  detrlmenta, 

Ad  non-esse  rraherls ; 
Velut  umbra,  quum  decllnat, 
Vita  surgit  et  festlnat, 

Claudlt  meta  funerls. 


Homo  dictus  es  ab  humo  ; 
CIto  transis,  quia  fumo 

SImllls  efficerls ; 
Nunquam  In  eodem  statu 
Permanes,  dum  sub  rotatu 

Hulus  vltae  volverls. 


39 


40 

O  sors  gravis,  o  sors  dura, 
O  lex  dira,  quam  natura 

Promulgavit  miserls ! 
Homo  nascens  cum  mcerore 
Vltam  duels  cum  labore 

Et  cum  metu  morerls. 


Ergo  si  scis  qualltatem 
Tuae  sortis,  voluptatem 

Carnis  quare  sequerls  ? 
Memento,  te  morlturum 
Et  post  mortem  id  messurum, 

Quod  hie  seminaverls. 


Terram  terls,  terram  geris, 
Et  in  terram  reverteris, 

Qui  de  terra  sumeris ; 
Cerne  quid  es  et  quid  eris : 
Modo  flos  es,  et  verteris 

In  favillam  cineris. 


The  Vanity  of  the  World. 

BERNARD  OF  CLAIRVAUX. 


St.  Bernard,  the  author  of  this  Hymn,  was  born  in  1091,  near  Dijon,  in 
Burgundy.  He  was  the  first  Abbot  of  Clairvaux.  He  possessed  great  personal 
influence,  and,  after  his  death,  which  occurred  in  1153,  was  canonized.  Of 
him  Luther  says :  "  If  there  ever  has  been  a  pious  monk  who  feared  God,  it 
"  was  St.  Bernard,  whom  alone  I  hold  in  much  higher  esteem  than  all  other 
"monks  and  priests  throughout  the  globe." 


THE  VANITY  OF  THE  WORLD. 


A  little  while  like  grass  to  flourish, 

Then  mown,  like  grass,  vile  worms  to  nourish. 

Wherein  hath  flesh  to  trust  ? 
Be  wise,  O  man,  thy  state  discerning, 
A  flower  now  and  quickly  turning 

Into  thy  native  dust. 


Though  length  of  days,  by  increase,  gaining. 
Yet  loss  with  every  gain  sustaining. 

To  nothing  thou  art  worn  ; 
Thy  life,  a  shadow  swiftly  flying. 
Thy  winged  hours  in  speed  are  vying 

To  reach  the  final  bourn. 


From  humus  sprung,  thy  name  denoting. 
And  like  the  misty  vapors  floating 

Their  changeful  shapes  reveal, 
Thus  down  the  course  of  time  thou  glidest, 
Nor  ever  in  one  stay  abidest 

On  life's  revolving  wheel. 


F' 


44 

O  dire  decree  of  fateful  nature 

That  here  compels  each  wretched  creature, 

Relentless  and  severe  ! 
For  man,  whose  life  begins  in  sorrow. 
To  weary  day  adds  toiling  morrow, 

And  dies  in  abject  fear. 

If  such,  O  man,  is  thy  condition. 
Why  cherish  schemes  of  bad  ambition 

Or  hold  the  flesh  so  dear  ? 
That  thou  must  die  remember  rather, 
And,  after  death,  wilt  surely  gather 

What  seed  thou  sowest  here. 


Now  tilling  earth,  on  earth  attending, 

And  soon,  with  earth,  thy  substance  blending, 

From  which  thou  hadst  thy  birth, 
Be  wise,  O  man,  thy  state  discerning, 
A  flower  now,  and  quickly  turning 

Into  the  dust  of  earth. 


CONTEMPTIO   VaNITATIS    MuNDI, 

BERNARDUS    CLARAVALLENSIS. 


CONTEMPTIO  VANITATIS  MUNDI. 


O  miranda  vanltas ! 
O  divitiarum 
Amor  lamentabllis ! 
O  virus  amarum  ! 
Cur  tot  viros  Inficis 
Faciendo  carum 
Quod  pertransit  citlus 
Quam  flamma  stupparum. 


Homo  miser,  cogita : 
Mors  omnes  compescit, 
Quis  est  ab  initio 
Qui  morti  non  cessit  ? 
Quando  moriturus  est, 
Omnis  homo  nescit, 
Hie,  qui  vivit  hodie, 
Cras  forte  putrescit. 

47 


48 

Dum  de  morte  coglto, 
Contristor  et  ploro, 
Verum  est,  quod  moriar 
Et  tempus  Ignore, 
Ultimum,  quod  nescio 
Cui  jungar  choro  ; 
Et  cum  Sanctis  merear 
JungI,  Deum  oro ! 


Contempt  of  Worldly  Vanity. 

BERNARD  OF  CLAIRVAUX. 


This  Hymn  is  also  by  St.  Bernard,  and  may  be  considered  a  companion 
to  the  one  preceding. 


CONTEMPT  OF  WORLDLY  VANITY. 


What  emptiness  of  vanity 

So  many  hearts  bewitches  ? 

O  sorrowful  insanity ! 

The  cursed  lust  of  riches. 

How  strange  that  man,  with  eager  haste, 

Will  welcome  toil  and  trouble, 

To  gather  that  which  melts  as  fast 

As  fire  consumeth  stubble. 


Pujt  on,  my  friend,  a  sober  mind. 

And  judge  thy  interest  better. 

To  Death,  reflect  that  human-kind 

Is  universal  debtor ; 

That  naught  avails  thy  dear-loved  wealth 

When  at  thy  door  he  calleth. 

And  who,  to-day,  stands  full  of  health 

Perhaps  to-morrow  falleth. 


52 

When  on  this  end  I  meditate 
My  heart  grows  sore  with  sighing, 
Not  that  I  dread  the  common  fate 
So  far  as  death  is  dying, 
But  that  which  gives  me  more  concern 
Is  that  which  comes  thereafter, 
With  saints  to  praise  or  devils  burn 
Throughout  the  long  Hereafter* 


Dies  Judicii. 


AUCTOR  INCERTUS. 


DIES  JUDICII. 


Apparebit  repentlna  dies  magna  Domini, 

Fur  obscura  velut  nocte  Improvises  occupans. 

Brevis  totus  tum  parebit  prisci  luxus  saecull, 
Totum  simul  cum  clarebit  praeterlsse  saeculum. 

Clangor  tubse  per  quaternas  terrae  plagas  conclnens, 
Vivos  una  mortuosque  Christo  ciet  obviam. 

De  coelesti  Judex  arce,  majestate  fulgldus, 
Claris  angelorum  chorls  comltatus  aderlt. 

Erubescet  orbis  lunse,  sol  et  obscurabitur, 

Stellae  cadent  pallescentes,  mundi  tremet  ambitus. 

Flamma  ignis  antelbit  justi  vultum  Judicis, 

Coelos,  terras  et  profundi  fluctus  ponti  devorans. 

Gloriosus  In  sublimi  Rex  sedebit  solio, 

Angelorum  tremebunda  circumstabunt  agmina. 

Hujus  omnes  ad  electi  colllgentur  dexteram, 
Pravi  pavent  a  sinistris,  haedi  velut  foetidl. 


56 

Ite,  dicet  Rex  ad  dextros,  regnum  coeli  sumite, 
Pater  vobis  quod  paravit  ante  omne  saeculum. 

Karitate  qui  fraterna  me  juvlstis  pauperem, 
Carltatis  nunc  mercedem  reportate  divites. 

Laeti  dicent :  Quando,  Chrlste,  pauperem  te  vidimus, 
Te,  Rex  magne,  vel  egentem  miserati  juvimus  ? 

Magnus  illis  dicet  Judex :  cum  juvistis  pauperes, 
Panem,  domum,  vestem  dantes,  me  juvistis  humiles. 

Nee  tardabit  et  sinistris  loqui  Justus  Arbiter : 
In  Gehennae,  maledicti,  flammas  hinc  discedite  ! 

Obsecrantem  me  audire  despexistis  mendicum, 
Nudo  vestem  non  dedistis,  neglexistis  languidum. 

Peccatores  dicent :  Christe,  quando  te  vel  pauperem, 
Te,  Rex  magne,  vel  infirmum  contemnentes  sprevi- 
mus? 

Quibus  contra  Judex  altus :  Mendicant!  quamdiu 
Opem  ferre  despexistis,  me  sprevistis  improbi. 

Retro  ruent  tum  injusti  ignes  in  perpetuos. 

Vermis  quorum  non  morietur,  flamma  nee  restinguitur. 

Satan  atro  cum  ministris  quo  tenetur  carcere, 
Fletus  ubi  mugitusque,  strident  omnes  dentibus. 

Tunc  fideles  ad  coelestem  sustollentur  patriam, 
Choros  inter  angelorum  regni  petent  gaudia. 


57 

Urbis  summse  Hierusalem  introlbunt  gloriam, 
Vera  lucls  atque  pacis  in  qua  fulget  visio, 

XPM  regem  jam  paterna  claritate  splendidum 
Ubi  celsa  beatorum  contemplantur  agmlna. 

Ydri  fraudes  ergo  cave,  infirmantes  subleva, 
Aurum  temne,  fuge  luxus,  si  vis  astra  petere. 

Zona  clara  castitatis  lumbos  nunc  praecingere, 
In  occursum  magni  Regis  fer  ardentes  lampades. 


H 


The  Day  of  Judgment. 


AUTHOR  UNKNOWN. 


The  Author  of  this  Hymn  is  unknown.  It  is  at  least  as  old  as  the  seventh 
century.  Its  allusions,  and  much  of  its  phraseology,  are  drawn  directly  from  the 
Sacred  Scriptures.  It  has  been  ranked  with  the  Dies  Irse.  As  will  be  perceived 
it  is  an  abecedary,  the  stanzas  proceeding  in  alphabetical  order.  In  this  respect 
the  translation  is  an  imitation. 


THE  DAY  OF  JUDGMENT. 


As,  unwatched,  the  midnight  thief  doth  break  the  good- 
man's  hoard, 
So,  when  we  least  expect,  will  haste  the  great  day  of 
the  Lord. 

Briefly,  lust  will  walk  abroad,  as  In  the  time  before, 
And  then  the  sign  will  manifest  that  time  shall  be  no 
more. 

Clearly  ringing  through  the  earth,   and  equal  near  or 
far, 
The  trump  will  cite  both  quick  and  dead  before  the 
judgment  bar. 

Decked  In  gorgeous  majesty,  the  Judge  from  heaven 
will  come, 
With  holy  angels  compassed  round,  to  pass  the  final 
doom. 


62 

Ebon-black  the   sun  will    turn,  the    moon    In  blood  be 
whirled, 
And  paling  stars,  like  hall,  will  fall,  to  smite  the  reeling 
world. 

Fiery  streams  of  vengeful    wrath,  before  his  face  shall 
leap, 
Whose  flame  the  earth  and  sky  will  melt  and  dry  the 
nether  deep. 

Glorious  In  his  might,  the  King  his  throne  will  then  as- 
cend, 
And,  filled  with  awe,  the  heavenly  ranks,  In  silent  ho- 
mage, bend. 

His  elect  will,  on  the  right,  be  set  at  his  command, 
While,  on  the  left,  like  filthy  goats,  the  trembling  sin- 
ners stand. 

Instant,  then  the  King  will  say :  "  Ye  blessed  come  and 
heir 
The  kingdom  which,  at  first,  for  you,  my  Father  did 
prepare. 

*'  Kindly,  ye  my  poor  estate,  as  brethren,  did  regard. 
And,  now,  for  this  sweet  charity,  receive  a  rich  re- 
ward." 

Listening,  they  will  gladly  ask,  "  O  Christ,  when  saw  we 
thee 
In  sickness,  or  did  bring  relief  unto  thy  penury  ?" 


63 

Mildly,  thus  will  he  reply,  "To  whom  of  low  degree 
Ye  shelter,  food  or  raiment  gave,  ye  did  it  unto  me.'* 

Nothing  slow,  against  the  left,  will  turn  his  righteous 
ire : 
''Depart,  ye  cursed,  into  realms  of  everlasting  fire. 

*' Often  have  ye  spurned  my  prayer,  when  hungry  I  did 
plead. 
No  drink  ye  gave  to  quench  my  thirst,  nor  clothing 
to  my  need." 

Piteous  then  will  sinners  cry:  "O  Christ,  when  did  we 
see 
Thy  hunger,  thirst,  or  nakedness,  nor  ministered  to 
thee  ?" 

Quickly  back  will  answer  come,  "  So  oft  was  1  oppressed 
As  ye  have  failed  to  help  the  poor  or  succor  the  dis- 
tressed." 

Rushing  down,  the  guilty    crowd  will  plunge,  through 
fiery  storm. 
Amid  the  lake  of  living  flame,  where  gnaws  the  death- 
less worm. 

Satan  here,  securely  bound,  and  rebel  angels  dwell. 
Mid  tears  and  groans  and  gnashing  teeth — their  pri- 
son house  of  hell. 


64 

Then  the  faithful,  upward  borne,  will  seek  the  realms 
on  high, 
While  '*  welcome  home"  the  welkin  rings,  with  music 
of  the  sky. 

Unto  them  will  be  prepared  Jerusalem  above, 

Whose  only  sun,  the  Source  of  Light,  whose  perfect 
law  is  love, 

Where,  redeemed,  the  saints  will  praise  the  Christ  who 
still  sustains. 
And,  clothed  in  all  the  brightness  of  his  Father's  glory, 
reigns. 

Yearning  for  this  blissful  land,  the  Serpent's  guile  be- 
ware. 
Despising  wealth,  avoiding  lust,  each  other's  burdens 
bear. 

Zone  of  grace,  your  loins  to  gird,  let  chastity  afford, 
And  watchful  wait,  with  burning  lamps,  the  coming  of 
the  Lord. 


Sequentia  de  Passione  B.  Virginis, 

JACOPONUS. 


SEQUENTIA  DE  PASSIONE  B.  VIRGINIS. 


Stabat  mater  dolorosa 
Juxta  crucem  lacrymosa, 

Dum  pendebat  films, 
Cujus  animam  gementem, 
Contristantem  et  dolentem 

Pertranslvit  gladlus. 

O  quam  tristis  et  afflicta 
Fuit  ilia  benedicta 

Mater  unigeniti, 
Quat  moerebat  et  dolebat 
Et  tremebat,  dum  videbat 

Nati  poenas  inclyti. 


Quis  est  homo,  qui  non  fieret, 
Matrem  Christi  si  videret, 

In  tanto  supplicio  ? 
Ouis  non  posset  contristarl, 
Piam  matrem  contemplari 

Dolentem  cum  filio ! 


67 


68 

Pro  peccatis  suae  gentis 
VIdit  Jesum  in  tormentis 

Et  flagellis  subditum  ; 
Vidit  suum  dulcem  natum 
Morlentem,  desolatum, 

Dum  emisit  spiritum. 


Eja  mater,  fons  amorls  ! 
Me  sentire  vim  doloris 

Fac,  ut  tecum  lugeam  ; 
Fac,  ut  ardeat  cor  meum 
In  amando  Christum  Deum, 

Ut  sibi  complaceam. 


Sancta  mater,  istud  agas, 
Crucifixi  fige  plagas 

Cordi  meo  valide  ; 
Tui  nati  vulnerati, 
Tam  dignati  pro  me  pati, 

Poenas  mecum  divide. 


Fac  me  vere  tecum  flere, 
Crucifixo  condolere, 

Donee  ego  vixero ; 
Juxta  crucem  tecum  stare, 
Te  libenter  sociare 

In  planctu  desidero. 


69 

Virgo  virginum  praeclara, 
Mihi  jam  non  sis  amara, 

Fac  me  tecum  plangere  ; 
Fac,  ut  portem  Christi  mortem, 
Passionis  fac  consortem 

Et  plagas  recolere. 

Fac  me  plagis  vulnerari, 
Cruce  hac  inebriari, 

Et  cruore  filii ; 
Inflammatus  et  accensus, 
Per  te,  viro-o,  sim  defensus 

In  die  judicii. 


P'ac  me  cruce  custodiri, 
Morte  Christi  praemuniri, 

Confoveri  gratia  ; 
Ouando  corpus  morietur, 
Fac,  ut  animae  donetur 

Paradisi  gloria. 


The  Mother  at  the  Cross. 

JACOPONE  DA  TODI. 


The  authorship  of  this  beautiful  hymn  is  a  subject  of  dispute.  It  seems  to 
be  agreed  that,  if  not  composed,  it  was  remodeled  and  added  to  by  Jacopone,  a 
Franciscan  monk,  who  lived  in  the  thirteenth  century,  and  having  been  born  in 
Todi,  in  Umbria,  is  thence  called  Jacopone  da  Todi.  The  hymn  is  the  most 
pathetic  of  the  compositions  of  the  middle  ages. 


THE  MOTHER  AT  THE  CROSS. 


Sorely  weeping,  all  unfriended, 
Stood  the  Mother,  where  suspended, 

Hung  upon  the  cross  her  Son, 
Through  her  spirit  sympathizing, 
Moaning,  groaning,  agonizing, 

Pangs,  like  piercing  swords,  did  run. 

O  how  sad  and  sorrow  laden. 
Stood  that  ever-blessed  maiden, 

Mother  of  God's  only  One, 
Woeful  stood,  with  bosom  heaving, 
Quaking,  grieving,  while  perceiving 

How  they  racked  her  glorious  Son. 


Lives  there  man,  with  eye  so  tearless. 
Woe  like  hers  to  see,  yet  careless 

Human  sympathy  to  own  ? 
Who  could  view,  without  emotion. 
Such  a  Mother's  deep  devotion. 

Suffering  with  her  stricken  Son  ! 


K 


74 

For  his  people's  sins  convicted, 
Christ  she  saw  with  stripes  afflicted, 

Crowned  with  thorns  and  doomed  to  death ; 
Jesus  saw,  to  torture  taken, 
Dying,  lonely  and  forsaken 

While  he  gave  his  parting  breath. 

Gracious  Mother,  fount  of  blessing, 
All  thy  woe  my  soul  oppressing, 

Grant  that  I  with  thee  may  grieve ; 
Let  my  heart  be  so  appointed, 
Warmed  with  love  for  God  Anointed, 

That  I  may  his  grace  receive. 


Holy  Mother,  this  prayer  granting. 
Deeply  in  my  heart  implanting 

Thorns  that  pierced  thy  Crucified, 
Who  for  me  to  suffer  deigning. 
Cruel  wounds  for  me  sustaining, 

All  his  pains  with  me  divide. 


Grant  that  with  thee  truly  weeping, 
With  thy  Son  sad  vigil  keeping, 

I  may  live  and  thus  expire ; 
Near  the  cross  with  thee  to  tarry. 
Equal  load  of  grief  to  carry, 

Grant  to  be  my  chief  desire. 


75 

Virgin,  over  all  exalted, 
Pardon  what  I  have  defaulted, 

Grant  my  tears  with  thine  to  well 
Death  of  Christ  about  me  bearing, 
In  his  passion  ever  sharing, 

Grant  me  on  his  stripes  to  dwell. 


With  his  blood  may  I  be  sated. 
By  his  cross  exhilarated. 

On  my  flesh  his  scourges  lay  ; 
Thus  my  heart  inflamed  and  tender. 
Virgin,  be  my  sure  defender 

Through  the  fearful  Judgment-day. 


By  his  cross  may  I  be  guarded. 
By  his  death  from  evil  warded, 

Ever  may  his  grace  suffice  ; 
When  my  earthly  course  is  ended. 
Grant  my  soul,  by  thee  befriended, 

Endless  bliss  of  Paradise, 


De  Corpore  Christi. 

THOMAS  AQUINAS. 


DE  CORPORE  CHRISTI. 


O  esca  viatorum  ! 
O  panis  angelorum  ! 

O  manna  coelitum  ! 
Esurientes  ciba, 
Dulcedine  non  priva 

Corda  quaerentium. 


O  lympha,  tons  amoris ! 
Qui  puro  Salvatoris 

E  corde  profluis  ! 
Te  sitientes  pota  ! 
Haec  sola  nostra  vota, 

His  una  sufficis  ! 


O  Jesu,  tuum  vultum, 
Quern  colimus  occultum 

Sub  panis  specie, 
Fac,  ut,  remoto  velo, 
Aperta  nos  in  coelo 

Cernamus  acie ! 


The  Body  of  Christ. 

THOMAS  AQUINAS. 


Thomas  Aquinas,  the  author  of  this  hymn,  was  born  at  Aquino,  in  Italy, 

about  1225.       He  was  a  Dominican  and  the  most  celebrated  monk  of  that  order. 

One  of  the  ablest  men  of  his  age,  he  exercised  a  wonderful  influence  over  all 

t 
Europe.      He  died  in  1274. 


THE  BODY  OF  CHRIST. 


O  Flesh,  that  men  wayfaring  need ! 
O  Bread,  on  which  the  angels  feed ! 

O  Manna,  saints'  delight ! 
Each  hungry  soul  give  full  supply, 
Thy  sweetness  to  no  heart  deny 

That  seeks  thy  grace  aright. 


O  Water,  fount  of  love  sincere ! 
That  issued,  when  the  soldier  s  spear 

Did  pierce  the  Savior's  side, 
To  all  who  thirst,  thy  freshness  grant, 
Naught  else  our  craving  spirits  want, 

Nor  else  are  satisfied. 


O  Jesus,  whose  real  presence  here, 
Thy  faithful  worshippers  revere, 

In  seeming  bread  concealed, 
Be  pleased,  that  soon,  beyond  the  sky 
The  veil  removed,  we,  eye  to  eye, 

May  see  thy  face  revealed. 

83 


De  S.  Joanne  Evangelista. 


AUCTOR  INCERTUS. 


DE  S.  JOANNE  EVANGELISTA. 


Verbum  Dei,  Deo  natum, 
Quod  nee  factum,  nee  creatum, 

\  enit  de  coelestibus. 
Hoc  vidit,  hoc  attrectavit, 
Hoc  de  coelo  reseravit 
Joannes  hominibus. 


Inter  illos  primltivos 
Veros  veri  fontis  rivos 

Joannes  exsillit ; 
Toti  mundo  propinare 
Nectar  illud  salutare, 

Quod  de  throno  prodiit. 


Coelum  transit,  veri  rotam 
Solis  vidit,  ibi  totam 

Mentis  figens  aciem  ; 
Speculator  spiritalis 
Quasi  Seraphim  sub  alis 

Dei  vidit  faciem. 


87 


88 

Audlit  In  gyro  sedls 

Quid  psallant  cum  cidiaroedis 

Quater  seni  proceres  ; 
De  sigillo  Trinitatls 
Nostrse  nummo  civitads 

Impressit  characteres. 


Volat  avis  sine  meta 

Quo  nee  vates  nee  propheta 

Evolavit  altius ; 
Tarn  implenda,  quam  impleta, 
Nunquam  vidit  tot  seereta 

Purus  homo  purius. 


Sponsus  rubra  veste  teetus, 
VIsus,  sed  non  intelleetus, 

Redit  ad  palatium : 
Aquilam  Ezeehielis 
Sponsae  misit,  quae  de  eoelis 

Referret  mysterlum. 

Die,  dileete,  de  Dilecto, 
Qualis  sit  et  ex  Dileeto 

Sponsus  sponsae  nuneia : 
Die  quis  eibus  angelorum, 
Quae  sint  festa  superorum 

De  sponsi  praesentia. 


89 

Verl  panem  intellectus, 
Coenam  Chrlsti  super  pectus 

Chrlstl  sumptam  resera : 
Ut  cantemus  de  Patrono, 
Coram  Agno,  coram  throno, 

Laudes  super  a^thera. 


M 


St.  John,  the  Evangelist, 

AUTHOR  UNKNOWN. 


M 


Of  this  hymn  the  author  is  unknown.  It  is  written  in  the  style  and  appa- 
rently on  the  model  of  Adam  of  St.  Victor,  and,  although  not  belonging  to 
him,  is  in  nowise  inferior,  either  in  dignity  or  beauty. 


ST.  JOHN,  THE  EVANGELIST. 


Word  of  God — Word  uncreated, 
Word  not  made,  but  generated 

Before  /Eons  began  : 
Certified  by  sight  and  feeling, 
John,  from  heaven,  came  revealing 

This  blessed  Word  to  man. 


From  the  Fount  of  Life  outbursting, 
John,  when  olden  ages  thirsting. 

At  stagnant  pools  were  prone. 
Brought  to  every  tribe  and  nation 
Living  waters  of  salvation 

That  issued  from  the  Throne. 


Past  the  bound  of  ^ther  straying, 
Very  Orb  of  Light  surveying 

With  steady  gaze  he  stood ; 
There,  the  Spirit  vision  lending, 
Seraphs'  wings  above  him  bending, 

He  saw  the  face  of  God. 


93 


94 

Where,  the  crystal  throne  surrounding, 
Elders'  harps  their  lauds  were  sounding, 

He  caught  the  strains  divine ; 
Praise,  to  doctrine  taught  confession, 
With  the  "Three  in  One"  impression, 

He  stamped  the  Christian  coin. 


Through  the  empyrean  soaring, 
Heavenly  mysteries  exploring, 

He  passed  Isaiah's  flight : 
Watched  the  Cycles  slowly  wheeling. 
Secret  things  of  time  revealing, 

Unkenned  by  mortal  sight. 


Seen,  but  nothing  comprehended. 
Clothed  in  crimson  garb,  ascended 

The  Bridegroom  whence  he  came, 
Eagle  of  Ezekiel's  vision 
Sending  forth,  with  new  commission, 

His  nuptials  to  proclaim. 


Loved  one,  show  the  Bride  her  Lover, 
Messenger  of  God,  discover 

The  mystic  marriage-tie ; 
Say,  what  food  are  angels  sharing, 
Say,  what  feasts  are  saints  preparing. 

The  Bridegroom  draweth  nigh. 


95 

Bread  of  Truth,  in  truth  divining, 
Taking-  Christ,  on  Christ  reclining, 

The  sense  to  us  supply ; 
Teach  us  how  to  praise  Creator, 
Blessed  Lamb  and  Mediator 

Before  the  throne  on  high. 


Dies  Ir^. 

THOMAS  A  CELANO. 


DIES  IR^. 


Dies  irae,  dies  ilia 
Solvet  saeclum  in  favilla, 
Teste  David  cum  Sybilla. 

Quantus  tremor  est  futurus, 
Quando  judex  est  venturus, 
Cuncta  stricte  discussurus ! 

Tuba,  mirum  spargens  sonum 
Per  sepulcra  regionum, 
Coget  omnes  ante  thronum. 

Mors  stupebit,  et  natura, 
Quum  resurget  creatura 
Judicanti  responsura. 

Liber  scriptus  proferetur, 
In  quo  totum  continetur, 
Unde  mundus  judicetur. 


99 


lOO 

Judex  ergo  cum  sedebit, 
Quidquid  latet,  apparebit, 
Nil  inultum  remanebit. 

Quid  sum  miser  tunc  dicturus, 
Quem  patronum  rogaturus, 
Cum  vix  Justus  sit  securus  ? 

Rex  tremendae  majestatis 
Qui  salvandos  salvas  gratis, 
Salva  me,  fons  pietatis  ! 

Recordare,  Jesu  pie, 
Quod  sum  causa  tuae  viae  ; 
Ne  me  perdas  ilia  die  ! 

Quaerens  me  sedisti  lassus, 
Redemisti  crucem  passus : 
Tantus  labor  non  sit  cassus  ! 

Juste  judex  ultionis, 
Donum  fac  remissionis 
Ante  diem  rationis  ! 

Ingemisco  tanquam  reus. 
Culpa  rubet  vultus  meus : 
Supplicanti  parce,  Deus  ! 


lor 

Qui  Mariam  absolvlsti, 
Et  latronem  exaudisti, 
Mihi  quoque  spem  dedisti. 

Preces  meae  non  sunt  dignae 
Sed  tu  bonus  fac  benigne 
Ne  perenni  cremer  igne. 

Inter  oves  locum  praesta, 
Et  ab  hsedis  me  sequestra, 
Statuens  in  parte  dextra. 

Confutatis  maledictis, 
Flammis  acribus  addictis, 
Voca  me  cum  benedictis ! 

Oro  supplex  et  acclinis, 
Cor  contritum  quasi  cinis, 
Gere  curam  mei  finis  ! 

Lacrymosa  dies  ilia, 
Qua  resurget  ex  fa  villa 
Judicandus  homo  reus  ; 
Huic  ergo  parce,  Deus ! 

Pie  Jesu  domine, 
Dona  eos  requie  ! 
Amen. 


The  Day  of  Wrath. 

THOMAS  OF  CELANO. 


Of  this  world-renowned  hymn  the  authorship  is  disputed.  It  is  commonly 
ascribed  to  Thomas,  a  monk  of  the  Franciscan  order,  who  is  called  '«  a  Celano" 
from  a  small  town  in  Italy.  It  is  universally  agreed  to  be  the  grandest  of  all  the 
productions  of  the  Middle  Ages. 


THE  DAY  OF  WRATH. 


The  day  of  wrath,  that  day  of  woe, 
When  earth  with  fervent  heat  shall  glow, 
Both  David  and  the  Sybil  show; 

What  terror  will  that  day  inspire, 
When  Christ  shall  come  in  flaming  fire 
Of  all  things  strictly  to  inquire  ! 

The  pealing  trump,  with  blaring  sound 
Will  echo  through  Earth's  funeral  ground, 
And  summon  all  His  throne  around. 

Pale  Nature  then,  with  dumb  surprise, 
Will  see  her  wakened  dead  arise. 
To  answer  at  that  last  assize. 

In  shuddering  dread  shall  all  behold 
The  written  Book,  where  sealed  and  scrolled 
The  doom  of  man  is  kept  enrolled. 


o 


io6 


The  Judge  will  sit,  and  now  unsealed, 
While  earth  and  sea  their  secrets  yield, 
Will  equal  vengeance  stand  revealed, 

O'erwhelmed  with  guilt,  how  shall  I  plead? 
What  advocate  may  intercede, 
When  e'en  the  righteous  mercy  need  ? 

Great  King  of  awful  majesty, 
Whose  grace  saves  those  that  saved  shall  be, 
Then,  Fount  of  Pity,  then  save  me. 

Remember,  Lord,  the  wandering  stray 
That  caused  thy  toilsome,  tiresome  way, 
Nor  lose  me  in  that  dreadful  day. 

For  me  thy  weary  feet  have  sought. 
Thy  blood-stained  cross  redemption  brought. 
Let  not  such  suffering  count  for  naught. 

Avenging  Judge,  ask  not  defence, 
But  pardon  grant,  through  penitence. 
Before  the  day  of  recompense. 

Convicted  now,  the  groaning  prayer 
And  crimsoned  cheeks  my  guilt  declare ; 
O  God,  thy  humble  suppliant  spare. 


Thou  who  didst  Mary  justify, 
And  heardst  the  thief's  repentant  cry, 
To  me  this  hope  wilt  not  deny. 

Though  justly  thou  my  prayer  wouldst  spurn, 
On  me  thy  gracious  favor  turn 
Nor  let  my  soul  forever  burn. 

Within  thy  fold  may  I  abide, 
Good  Shepherd,  keep  me  by  thy  side 
When  from  the  goats  thy  sheep  divide. 

And  when  in  hres  of  wrath  divine, 
The  outcast  spirits  deathless  pine, 
Thy  blessed  heritage  be  mine. 

To  thee,  who  Judge  and  Witness  art, 
I  humbly  pray  with  contrite  heart, 
''  Be  nigh  when  flesh  and  spirit  part." 

Day  of  weeping,  day  of  mourning, 
Guilty  man,  from  dust  returning, 
Waits  the  fearful  retribution : 
Grant,  O  God,  thine  absolution. 

Holy  Jesus,  Master  blest, 
Give  to  us  thy  blissful  rest. 
Amen. 


The  Voice  of  Free  Grace, 

THORSBY. 


Vox  Gratis. 


This  hymn  of  Thorsby  is  so  well  known  as  to  render  the  insertion  of  the 
English  version  unnecessary. 


vox  GRATIS. 


Inclamat  vox  gratiae,  Confugite  montem, 

Nunc  perditis  Christus  aperuit  fontem, 

A  sorde  lavare  vel  quovis  indigno 

Salutis  it  sanguis  in  cursu  benigno : 

Alleluia  Redemptori,  non  semel  hie  dicemus, 
Iterumque  Alleluia  trans  Jordanem  recinemus. 

In  altis  nunc  Deo  sit  gloria  data, 

Nunc  gloria  Deo  de  coelo  relata, 

Et  famam  narremus  jucundam  per  gentes, 

Amoreni,  laudemque  salutem  canentes ; 

Alleluia  Redemptori,  non  semel  hie  dicemus, 
Iterumque  Alleluia  trans  Jordanem  recinemus. 

Perequita,  Christe,  qui  regnas  in  luce, 
Peccatum  vincemus  ac  mortem,  te  duce, 
Et  semper  te  sancti  gaudebunt  mirari, 
Fatentes  te  solum  dedisse  salvari. 

Alleluia  Redemptori,  non  semel  hie  dicemus, 
Iterumque  Alleluia  trans  Jordanem  recinemus. 


1  12 


Sione  potita-  beads  et  oris, 

Cum  citharis  noctu  diuque  canoris, 

Per  agros  felices  juvabit  errare 

Et  carmen  salutis  in  aevum  cantare  ; 

Alleluia  Redemptori,  non  semel  hie  dicemus, 
Iterumque  Alleluia  trans  Jordanem  recinemus. 


De  Epiphania. 

PRUDENTIUS. 


DE  EPIPHANIA. 


O  sola  magnarum  urbium, 
Major  Bethlem,  cui  contigit 
Ducem  salutis  coelitus 
Incorporatum  gignere. 

Haec  Stella,  quae  soils  rotam 
Vincit  decore  ac  lumine, 
Venlsse  terris  nuntiat 
Cum  carne  terrestri  Deum. 


Videre  postquam  ilium  magi, 
Eoa  promunt  munera, 
Stratique  votis  offerunt 
Thus,  myrrham  et  aurum  regium. 


Regem  Deumque  annuntiant 
Thesaurus  et  fragrans  odor 
Thuris  Sabaei,  ac  myrrheus 
Pulvis  sepulcrum  praedocet. 


The  Epiphany, 

PRUDEXTIUS. 


The  author  of  this  Hymn  was  born  in  Spain  about  the  year  348.  He 
was  distinguished  as  a  Jurist.  Late  in  life  he  devoted  himself  earnestly  to 
the  service  of  God.  Another  stanza  is  generally  printed  as  part  of  the  original, 
but  being  a  mere  doxology,  and    not  by  Prudentius,  I  have  chosen  to  omit  it. 


THE  EPIPHANY. 


O,  chief  of  cities,  Bethlehem, 
Of  David's  crown  the  fairest  gem, 
But  more  to  us  than  David's  name, 
In  thee,  as  man,  the  Savior  came. 


Beyond  the  sun  in  splendor  bright, 
Above  thee  stands  a  wondrous  light 
Proclaiming  from  the  conscious  skies 
That  here,  in  tiesh,  the  Godhead  lies. 


See,  coming  from  the  East,  afar 
Chaldean  sages  hail  his  star. 
And  low  in  adoration  bent 
Their  three-fold  gifts  to  him  present. 

The  golden  tribute  owns  him,  King, 
But  frankincense  to  God  they  bring. 
And  last,  prophetic  sign,  with  myrrh 
They  shadow  forth  his  sepulchre. 


De  Nativitate  Domini. 

JOANNES  MAUBURNUS. 


DE  NATIVITATE  DOMINI. 


Heu,  quid  jaces  stabulo, 

Omnium  creator, 
Vagiens  cunabulo, 

Mundi  reparator? 
Si  rex,  ubi  purpura  ? 
V^el  clientum  murmura? 

Ubi  aula  regis  ? 
Hie  omnis  penuria, 
Paupertatis  curia, 

Forma  nova^  legis. 

"  Istuc  amor  generis 

Me  traxit  humani, 
Quod  se  noxa  sceleris 

Occidit  profani. 
His  meis  inopiis 
Gratiarum  copiis 

Te  pergo  ditare, 
Hocce  natalitio 
X'^ero  sacrificio 

Te  volens  beare." 

123 


124 

O,  te  laiidum  milllbus 

Laudo,  laudo,  laudo, 
Tantis  mirabilibus 

Plaudo,  plaudo,  plaudo  ! 
Gloria,  sit  gloria, 
Amanti  memoria 

Domino  in  altis ! 
Cui  testimonia 
Dantur  et  praeconia 

Coelicis  a  psaltis ! 


The  Nativity. 

JEAN  MAUBURNE, 


The  author  lived  in  the  15th  century.  Born  in  1460,  he  was  made  Abbot 
of  St.  Livry  in  1502,  and  the  next  year  died  at  Paris,  whither  he  was  carried 
in  consequence  of  sickness  caused  by  excessive  labor  in  the  administration  of 
his  religious  office. 


THE   NATIVITY. 


Why  dost  Thou  so  lowly  lie 

Who  all  things  didst  create  ? 
Comest  Thou  with  wailing  cry 

To  lift  our  fallen  state  ? 
Where  thy  train  if  King  thou  be, 
Purple  robe  of  majesty, 

Thy  presence  chamber,  where  ? 
All  unlike  the  courts  of  earth, 
Naught  denotes  thy  royal  birth, 

But  only  want  is  here. 

"  Hither,  from  my  Father's  throne, 

Through  love  for  man  I  came, 
Him  to  save,  his  guilt  atone, 

I  bear  this  load  of  shame  ; 
In  my  need  I  give  to  thee 
Wealth  from  Heaven's  treasury, 

The  pearl  of  costly  price  ; 
Lowly  born  and  held  as  naught. 
Life  and  blessing  I  have  brought, 

Myself  the  sacrifice." 


128 

Wonders  of  thy  grace  to  sing 

My  grateful  tongue  essays, 
Thousand  thanks  to  Thee  I  bring 

In  hymns  of  endless  praise  ; 
Glory,  now,  let  all  below, 
Mindful  of  thy  saving  woe, 

Shout  "Glory,  Lord,  to  Thee," 
While  angelic  choirs  above 
Celebrate  thy  matchless  love 

With  harp  and  psaltery. 


Paulus. 

PETRUS  DAMIANI. 


PAULUS. 


Paule,  doctor  egregie, 
Tuba  clangens  ecclesise, 
Nubes  volans  ac  tonitrum 
Per  amplum  mundl  circulum. 

Nobis  potenter  intona, 
Ruraque  cordis  irriga, 
Coelestis  imbre  gratiae 
Mentes  virescant  aridae. 


O  magnum  Pauli  meritum, 
Caelum  conscendit  tertium, 
Audit  verba  mysterii, 
Quae  nullis  audet  eloqui. 

Dum  verbi  spargit  semiiia. 
Seges  surgit  uberrima, 
Sic  cceli  replent  horreum 
Bonorum  fruges  operum. 


Paul. 

PETER  DAMIANI. 


Peter  Damiani  was  the  zealous  coadjutor  of  the  celebrated  Hildebrand. 
He  was  made  Cardinal-bishop  of  Ostia.  Born  at  Ravenna,  in  Italy,  he  was 
mentally  and  morally  one  of  the  foremost  men  of  his  age.     He  died  in  1072. 


PAUL. 


Faithful  teacher,  mighty  Paul, 
Ringing  like  a  trumpet  call, 
Flying  cloud,  whose  couriers  glance 
Red-winged  round  the  world's  expanse, 


Let  thy  deep-voiced  thunders  roll, 
Saturate  each  thirsty  soul, 
Showers  of  heavenly  grace  impart. 
Fertilize  each  barren  heart. 


Guerdon  high  was  thine,  when  thrice 
Pearly  gates  of  Paradise 
Turning  gave  thy  raptured  ear 
Words  that  none  but  Angels  hear. 

Sow^er  of  the  Gospel  seed, 
Hundred-fold  shall  be  thy  meed, 
Garnered  where  no  thief  can  spoil, 
Fruit  of  thine  abundant  toil. 


FlANT    LuMINARIA. 

AByELARDUS. 


FIANT  LUMINARIA. 


Dixit  autem  Deus :     Fiant  luminaria  in  firmamento  Coeli. — Gen.  i,  14. 

Ornarunt  terram  germlna, 
Nunc  coelum  luminaria ; 
Sole,  luna,  stellis  depingitur, 
Quorum  multus  usus  cognoscitur. 


Haec  quaque  parte  condita 
Sursum,  homo,  considera ; 
Esse  tuam  et  coeli  regio 
Se  fatetur  horum  servirio. 


Sole  calet  in  hieme, 
Qui  caret  ignis  munere ; 
Pro  nocturnae  lucernae  gratia 
Pauper  habet  lunam  et  sidera. 


Stratis  dives  eburneis, 
Pauper  jacet  gramineis ; 
Hinc  avium  oblectant  cantica, 
Inde  florum  spirat  fragantia. 


139 


I40 

Impensis,  dives,  nimlls 
Domum  casuram  construis ; 
Falso  sole  pingis  testudlnem, 
Falsis  stellis  in  coeli  speciem. 


In  vera  coeli  camera 
Pauper  jacet  pulcherrima ; 
Vero  sole,  veris  sideribus 
Istam  illi  depinxit  Dominus. 


Opus  magis  eximium 

Est  naturae  quam  hominum  ; 

Quod  nee  labor  nee  sumptus  praeparat, 

Nee  vetustas  solvendo  dissipat. 


Ministrat  homo  diviti, 
Angelus  autem  pauperi, 
Ut  hinc  quoque  constet  coelestia 
Quam  sint  nobis  a  Deo  subdita. 


Let  There  Be  Lights. 

PETER  ABELARD. 


The  author  of  this  hymn,  Peter  Abelard,  was  born  near  Nantes.  He 
was  one  of  the  most  distinguished  men  of  his  age.  His  intercourse  with 
the  celebrated  Heloise  is  well  known.  He  was  the  representative  of  the 
use  of  reason  in  matters  of  theology,  as  Bernard  of  Clairvaux  was  the  ex- 
ponent of  church  authority,  and  between  them  there  arose  bitter  controversy. 
He  died  in  1142  at  the  Monastery  of  St.  Marcel. 


LET  THERE  BE  LIGHTS. 


And  God  said:  Let  there  be  lights  in  the  firmament  of  the  Heaven. — Gen.  i.  14. 

With  many  a  flower  the  earth  Is  bright, 
The  sky  is  set  with  many  a  light, 
For  man  ordained,  the  golden  sun, 
The  moon  and  stars  their  courses  run. 


Observant  still  to  mark  the  years. 
Consider,  man,  these  shining  spheres, 
Look  up,  and  in  their  service  see 
That  Heaven  itself  was  made  for  thee. 


To  him  who  lacks  the  fire-side  blaze 
The  sun  sends  down  his  genial  rays. 
And  stars  hang  out  their  friendly  lamps 
By  night  to  guide  His  houseless  tramps. 


On  stately  beds  the  rich  are  laid. 

But  stretched  in  cool,  sequestered  shade. 

The  beggar  whiles  away  the  hours 

Mid  warbling  birds  and  fragrant  flowers. 


44 


The  lordling  decks  his  vaulted  hall 
With  gilded  planets,  soon  to  fall, 
And  mourns  the  treasure,  vainly  spent, 
To  rival  God's  own  firmament. 


Within  the  chamber  of  the  skies, 
In  sweet  repose,  the  pauper  lies 
Where  stars  keep  watch,  till  morning  bids 
The  sunbeams  wake  his  sleeping  lids. 


Compared  with  Nature's  perfect  plan 
How  mean  the  proudest  works  of  man, 
Her  skill  expends  nor  gold  nor  toil 
And  what  she  builds  no  time  can  spoil. 


On  wealth,  the  poor  obsequious  wait, 
Good  angels  serve  our  low  estate 
And  verify  the  kind  decree 
That  Heaven  itself  was  made  for  thee. 


Oratio  ad  Dominum. 

MARBOD. 


ORATIO  AD  DOMINUM. 


Deus-homo,  Rex  coelorum, 
Miserere  miserorum  ; 
Ad  peccandum  proni  sumus, 
Et  ad  humum  redit  humus ; 
Tu  ruinam  nostram  fulci 
Pletate  tua  dulci. 
Quid  est  homo,  proles  Adae  ? 
Germen  necis  dignum  clade. 
Quid  est  homo  nisi  vermis, 
Res  infirma,  res  inermis  ? 
Ne  digneris  huic  irasci, 
Qui  non  potest  mundus  nasci 
Noli,  Deus,  hunc  damnare, 
Qui  non  potest  non  peccare ; 
Judicare  non  est  aequum 
Creaturam,  non  est  tecum  : 
Non  est  miser  homo  tanti, 
Ut  respondeat  Tonanti. 
Sicut  umbra,  sicut  fumus, 
Sicut  foenum  facti  sumus, 
Miserere,  Rex  coelorum, 
Miserere  miserorum. 


147 


Supplication  to  the  Lord. 

MARBOD. 


The   author  of  this  prayer   was   of  a   noble   family    in    Anjou.       He    was 
born  in   1035,  "^^'^^  chosen  bishop  of  Rennes  in   1095,  ^^^^  ^^^^  ^^   '^125. 


SUPPLICATION  TO  THE  LORD. 


God  Incarnate,  Heavenly  King, 
Wretched  man  to  mercy  bring ; 
Prone  to  err,  our  footsteps  stray, 
And  to  dust  returns  the  clay ; 
Lord,  accept  our  earnest  prayer, 
Wreck  of  sin  let  grace  repair. 
Seed  of  Adam,  what  is  man  ? 
Sprout  of  death,  deserving  ban  : 
What  is  man  unless  a  worm 
All  defenseless  and  infirm  ? 
Be  not  wroth  with  one  so  mean. 
Who  must  needs  be  born  unclean 
Him  to  slay,  O  God,  disdain, 
Who  from  sin  cannot  abstain ; 
Mete-wand  nice  on  him  to  lay, 
Righteous  Judge,  is  not  thy  way. 
Nor  is  man  of  such  degree, 
V^oice  of  God,  to  answer  Thee. 
Like  a  fiower,  like  a  shade, 
Like  a  vapor  man  is  made, 
Mercy  grant,  O  Heavenly  King, 
Pity  such  a  wretched  thing. 


Syon  Ccelestis. 

HILDEBERTUS  TURONENSIS. 


SYOX  CCELESTIS. 


Me  receptet  Syon  ilia, 
Syon.  David  urbs  tranquilla, 
Cuius  faber  auctor  lucis, 
Cuius  portae  lignum  crucis. 
Cuius  muri  lapis  vivus, 
Cuius  custos  rex  festivus. 
In  hac  urbe  lux  solennis, 
\'er  a^ternum,  pax  perennis: 
In  hac  odor  implens  coelos, 
In  hac  semper  festum  melos ; 
Xon  est  ibi  corruptela, 
Xon  delectus,  non  querela ; 
Xon  minuti,  non  deformes, 
Omnes  Chrlsto  sunt  conformes. 


155 


The  Heavenly  Zion. 

HILDEBERT,  OF  TOURS, 


This  hymn  is  an  extract  from  a  poem  of  Hildebert,  Archbishop  of  Tours. 
He  was  born  in  1057.  Eminent  for  his  learning,  his  works  were  highly 
esteemed.  Independent  in  his  character,  he  incurred  the  displeasure  of  the 
Fi-ench  King,  Louis  le  Gros,  to  whose  wishes,  in  the  dispensation  of  church 
patronage,  he  refused  to  yield. 


THE  HEAVENLY  ZION. 


To  Zion  beckoning  friends  invite, 

In  David's  city  wait, 
Whose  builder  is  the  Source  of  light. 

The  precious  Cross  her  gate. 

With  living  stones  her  walls  are  gay. 

Her  guard  the  joyous  King, 
Within  her  courts  is  endless  day 

And  smiles  eternal  spring. 

There  Love  unbroken  peace  maintains, 
And  bloom  unfading  flowers, 

While  ceaseless  glide  seraphic  strains 
Along  the  gladsome  hours. 

There  naught  corrupts,  nor  aught  is  vile. 

Nor  ever  ills  befall, 
Naught  enters  there  that  can  defile, 

But  Christ  is  all  in  all. 


»59 


De  Cruce. 

AUCTOR  INCERTUS. 


DE  CRUCE. 


Crux  ave  benedicta, 
Per  te  mors  est  devicta, 
In  te  dependit  Deus, 
Rex  et  Salvator  meus. 


Tu  a r bo  rum  reglna, 
Salutis  medicina, 
Pressorum  es  levamen, 
Et  tristium  solamen. 


O  sacrosanctum  lignum, 
Tu  vitse  nostrae  signum, 
TulistI  fructum  Jesum, 
Humani  cordis  esum. 


Dum  crucis  inimicos 
Vocabis  et  amicos, 
O  Jesu,  fili  Dei, 
Sis,  oro,  memor  mei ! 

163 


The  Cross. 

AUTHOR  UNKNOWN. 


This  hymn  is  by  an  unknown  author  and  is  supposed  to  be  somewhere 
from  the  fourteenth  to  the  sixteenth  century.  It  has  been  much  praised  by 
critics.  According  to  the  tradition  prevalent  in  the  Middle  Ages,  the  Cross 
on  which  Jesus  suffered  was  of  palm  wood. 


THE  CROSS. 


Blessed  Cross,  hail,  holy  Rood  ! 
Death,  by  thee,  was  first  subdued 
When  my  God  was  crucified, 
When  my  King  and  Savior  died. 


Queen  of  trees  art  thou,  O  Palm, 
For  our  wounds  the  sovereign  balm, 
Strong  support  when  burdens  press, 
Solace  in  our  sore  distress. 


Tree  of  Life,  O  sacred  Tree. 
Glorious  sign  of  victory, 
Christ  thy  fruit,  O  Tree  divine, 
Never  fruit  so  sweet  as  thine. 


When  before  thy  judgment-seat 
Friend  and  foe  at  last  shall  meet, 
Jesus,  then  propitious  be. 
Son  of  God,  remember  me. 


Dp:  Nativitate  Domini. 

ADAM  DE  SC.  VICTORE. 


W 


DE  NATIVITAIE  DOMINI. 


Potestate,  non  natura 
Fit  Creator  creatura, 
Reportetur  ut  factura 

Factoris  In  gloria. 
Praedlcatus  per  prophetas, 
Quern  non  capit  locus,  aetas, 
Nostrae  sortis  Intrat  metas, 

Non  rellnquens  propria. 

Ccelum  terrls  Incllnatur, 
Homo-Deus  adunatur, 
Adunato  famulatur 

Coelestis  famllla. 
Rex,  sacerdos  consecratur 
Generalls,  quod  monstratur 
Cum  pax  terrls  nuntlatur 

Et  In  altis  gloria. 

Causam  quaerls,  modum  rel  ? 
Causa  prius  omnes  rel, 
Modus  justum  velle  Del, 
Sed  condltum  gratia. 


172 

O  quam  dulce  condimentum, 
Nobis  mutans  in  pigmentum 
Cum  aceto  fel  cruentum, 
Degustante  Messia ! 

O  salubre  sacramentum, 
Quod  nos  ponit  in  jumentum, 
Plagis  nostris  dans  unguentum, 

Ille  de  Samaria. 
Ille  alter  Elisaeus, 
Reputatus  homo  reus, 
Suscitavit  homo-Deus 

Sunamitis  puerum. 

Hie  est  gigas  currens  fortis, 
Qui,  destructa  lege  mortis, 
Ad  amoena  primae  sortis, 

Ovem  fert  in  humerum. 
Vivit,  regnat  Deus-homo, 
Trahens  Oreo  lapsum  pomo ; 
Coelo  traetus  gaudet  homo, 

Denum  eomplens  numerum. 


The  Incarnation. 

ADAM  OF  ST.  VICTOR. 


A  brief  notice  of  Adam  of  St.  Victor,  the  author  of  this  hymn  and  of 
the  two  immediately  following,  has  been  given  in  the  preceding  pages.  Trench 
considers  this  as  "  the  richest  and  fullest  of  the  Nativity  Hymns."  It  may  be 
well  to  say,  in  relation  to  the  allusion  in  the  last  line,  that  the  parable  of  the 
ten  pieces  of  silver  was  understood  to  relate  to  nine  ranks  of  angels  and  the 
one  race  of  man.     The  former  stood,  the  latter  fell  and  was  lost. 


THE    INCARNATION. 


Work  of  power,  passing  nature, 
God  appears  in  human  feature, 
Lifting  up  his  fallen  creature 

Unto  the  Maker's  throne ; 
He,  whom  prophets  came  foretelling. 
Whom  nor  time  nor  space  compelling, 
Comes  In  finite  nature  dwelling. 

Retaining  still  his  own. 

Now  to  earth  the  heavens  are  bending, 
God  and  man  in  union  blending, 
Angel  ministers  descending 

Escort  him  from  the  sky, 
Who,  o'er  all  is  King  created, 
Priest  forever  consecrated. 
Peace  on  earth  is  promulgated 

And  glory  rings  on  high. 

Wouldst  thou  know  the  mode,  the  reason  ? 
Seeming  cause,  our  guilty  treason, 
Will  of  God  the  way,  the  season, 
Bufyet  by  grace  forecast: 


176 

Blissful  relish,  precious  favor, 
When  the  myrrh-cup's  bitter  savor 
Changed  to  pigment's  spicy  flavor 
Upon  Messiah's  taste. 

Healing  grace,  all  comprehending, 
Good  Samaritan  befriending, 
Setting  on  his  beast  and  tending 

The  wounded  Judaite ; 
True  Elisha,  see,  appearing. 
Sinful  man,  our  likeness  wearing, 
God-Man,  in  his  power,  rearing 

The  lifeless  Shunamite. 

Lo,  the  matchless  Giant  hying, 
Who,  the  strength  of  Death  defying, 
Bears  his  sheep,  long-lost  and  dying. 

To  pastures  green  and  sweet ; 
Fallen  through  the  first  temptation. 
Saved,  through  Christ,  from  condemnation, 
Man  rejoices  in  salvation 

And  makes  the  ten  complete. 


De  S.  Laurentio. 

ADAM  DE  SC.  VICTORE. 


DE  S.  LAUREXTIO. 


Sicut  chorda  musicorum 
Tandem  sonum  dat  sonorum 

Plectri  ministerio, 
Sic  in  chely  tormentorum 
Melos  Christi  confessorum 

Martvris  dat  tensio. 


Parum  sapis  vim  sinapis, 

Si  non  tancris,  si  non  franms  ; 

Et  plus  fragrat,  quando  tiagrat, 

Tus  injectum  ignibus: 
Sic  arctatus  et  assatus, 
Sub  ardore.  sub  labore, 
Dat  odorem  pleniorem 

Martvr  de  virtutibus. 


Hunc  ardorem  factum  foris 
Putat  rorem  vis  amoris, 

Et  zelus  justitiae  ; 
Ignis  urens,  non  comburens, 
Vincit  prunas,  quas  adunas, 

O  minister  impie. 


The  Martyrdom  of  St.  Laurentius. 

ADAM  OF  ST.  VICTOR. 


Laurentius,  the  Martyr,  was  Arch-Deacon  at  Rome,  and  suffered  during  the 
persecution  of  the  Christians  by  Valerian.  He  is  said  to  have  been  broiled  to 
death  on  a  gridiron,  or  roasted  in  an  iron  chair.  This  hymn  is  in  commem- 
oration of  his  martyrdom. 


THE  MARTYRDOM  OF  ST.  LAURENTIUS. 


As  minstrel  touch  evokes  the  strain 
That  softly  glides,  then  swells  amain 

Along  the  trembling  chord, 
The  martyr,  stretched  on  torture's  rack, 
From  quivering  nerves  gives  sweetly  back 

The  praises  of  his  Lord. 


As  nothing  tells  what  pungent  power 
In  mustard  dwells,  till  brayed  to  flour, 
And,  parched  with  heat,  to  incense  sweet 

The  fragrant  gum  resolves. 
Thus,  rectified  by  bloody  scourge, 
Refined  and  tried  by  fiery  purge, 
The  martyr's  faith,  sublimed  in  death, 

Its  rich  perfume  evolves. 


To  love  and  zeal,  that  inward  glow. 
Like  dew-drops  feel  the  fires  below, 

No  pain  but  Love  can  quell ; 
It  burns,  illumes,  yet  naught  consumes, 
And  coals  outvies  thy  rage  applies 

O  minister  of  hell. 


183 


De  SS.  Evangelistis. 

ADAM  DE  SC.  VICTORE. 


DE  SS.  EVANGELIS TIS. 


Circa  thronum  majestatis, 
Cum  splritibus  beatis, 
Quatuor  diversitatis 

Astant  animalla. 
Formam  primum  aquilinam, 
Et  secundum  leoninam, 
Sed  humanam  et  bovinam 

Duo  gerunt  alia. 

Formae  formant  figurarum 
Formas  Evangelistarum, 
Quorum  imber  doctrinarum 

Stillat  in  Ecclesia ; 
Hi  sunt  Marcus  et  Matthaeus, 
Lucas,  et  quern  Zebedaeus 
Pater  tibi  misit,  Deus, 

Dum  laxaret  retia. 


Formam  viri  dant  Matthaeo, 
Quia  scripsit  sic  de  Deo, 
Sicut  descendit  ab  eo, 

Quem  plasmavit,  homine. 


187 


i88 

Lucas  bos  est  in  figura, 
Ut  praemonstrat  in  Scriptura, 
Hostiarum  tangens  jura 
Legis  sub  velamine. 

Marcus,  leo  per  desertum 
Clamans,  rugit  in  apertum, 
Iter  fiat  Deo  certum, 

Mundum  cor  a  crimine. 
Sed  Johannes,  ala  bina 
Caritatis,  aquilina 
Forma  fertur  in  divina 
Puriori  lumine. 


Quatuor  describunt  isti 
Quadriformes  actus  Christi, 
Et  figurant,  ut  audisti, 

Quisque  sua  formula. 
Natus  homo  declaratur, 
Vitulus  sacrificatur, 
Leo  mortem  depraedatur, 

Et  ascendit  aquila. 

Ecce  forma  bestialis 
Quam  scriptura  prophetalis 
Notat  ;  sed  materialis 
Hsec  est  impositio. 


1 89 

Currunt  rotis,  volant  alls: 
Inest  sensus  spiritalis ; 
Rota  gressus  est  ccqualis, 
Ala  contemplatio. 


Paradisus  his  rigatur, 
Viret,  floret,  foecundatur, 
His  abundat,  his  laetatur 

Quatuor  fluminlbus: 
Fons  est  Christus,  hi  sunt  rivi, 
Fons  est  altus,  hi  proclivi, 
Ut  saporem  fontis  vivi 

Ministrent  hdelibus. 


Horum  rivo  debriatis 
Sitis  crescat  caritatis, 
Ut  de  fonte  pietatis 

Satiemur  plenius. 
Horum  trahat  nos  doctrina 
Vitiorum  de  sentina, 
Sicque  ducat  ad  divina 

Ab  imo  superius. 


The  Holy  Evangelists. 

ADAM  OF  ST.  VICTOR. 


The   purpose    of    this   hymn    is   to   represent   the    character   of     Christ   as 
distinctively  exhibited  by  each  of  the  Evangelists. 


THE  HOLY  EVANGELISTS. 


Round  about  the  throne  of  heaven, 
Serving  with  the  holy  Seven, 
Four  attend,  in  honor  even. 

Framed  in  strange  diversity  ; 
Flying  eagle  one  appearing, 
One  the  form  of  lion  bearing, 
One  a  calf,  the  other  v^earing 

Visage  of  humanity. 


Fashioned  thus,  these  blessed  creatures 
Shew  the  four  Evangel  teachers. 
Living  streams  for  Gospel  preachers 

Plowing  out  from  Galilee  ; 
Matthew,  here,  and  Mark  portraying, 
Luke,  and  him  who,  naught  delaying, 
Left  his  nets,  the  call  obeying. 

Gentle  son  of  Zebedee. 


Matthew  has  our  shape  and  stature, 
Writing  in  his  nomenclature 
Christ's  descent,  as  if  by  nature 

Springing  from  the  man  He  made ; 


193 


94 


Form  of  calf  to  Luke  pertaining, 
Who,  in  Scripture,  speaks  explaining 
Sacrificial  rites  remaining 
Until  then  in  legal  shade. 


Desert  lion,  loudly  roaring, 
Mark,  our  wilderness  exploring, 
Cries,  "The  path  of  God  restoring, 

Let  your  hearts  be  clean  and  right ;" 
While,  on  wings  of  love  ascending. 
Like  the  eagle  sunward  bending, 
John  his  heavenly  way  is  wending 

Upward  to  the  Source  of  Light. 

Drama  of  His  life  and  passion 
These  enacting,  what  each  fashion 
Represents,  the  explanation 

Doubtless  you  have  heard  full  oft ; 
Birth  of  Christ,  the  man  displaying, 
Sacrifice,  the  calf  conveying, 
Death  despoiled,  the  lion  preying. 

While  the  eagle  soars  aloft. 

Lo,  the  forms  of  brute  creation 
Which  prophetic  revelation 
Indicates,  and  through  sensation 
Teaches  spiritual  things : 


195 


Rolling  wheels  and  pinions  flying, 
Hidden  meaning  underlying, 
Equal  walk,  the  wheels  implying. 
Higher  life,  the  mounting  wings. 


By  these  waters  irrigated 

Paradise  is  decorated, 

Where  o'er  boughs  with  fruitage  weighted 

Amaranthine  bloom  is  spread  ; 
Christ  the  fountain,  these  outflowing. 
High  the  fountain,  earthward  going 
These  descend,  on  man  bestowing 

Sweetness  of  their  living  head. 


Ever  drinking,  still  unsated, 
Thirst  with  every  draught  created, 
May  our  souls  be  saturated 

Quaffing  from  this  Fount  of  Love ; 
Thus  the  way  of  wisdom  learning. 
From  the  dregs  of  folly  turning, 
Let  our  minds,  the  truth  discerning. 

Meditate  on  things  above. 


Ad  Sanctum  Spiritum. 

ROBERTUS,  GALLIyE  REX. 


AD  SANCTUM  SPIRITUM. 


Veni,  Sancte  Spiritus, 
Et  emitte  coelitus 
Lucis  tuae  radium. 
Veni.  pater  pauperum, 
V^eni,  dator  munerum, 
Veni,  lumen  cordium  ; 

Consolator  optime, 
Uulcis  hospes  animse, 
Dulce  refrigerium : 
In  labore  requies, 
In  sestu  temperies, 
In  tletu  solatium. 

O  lux  beatissima, 
Reple  cordis  intima 
Tuorum  fidelium  ! 
Sine  tuo  numine 
Nihil  est  in  homine, 
Nihil  est  innoxium. 

199 


200 

Lava  quod  est  sordldum, 
Riga  quod  est  aridum, 
Sana  quod  est  saucium  ; 
Flecte  quod  est  rigldum, 
Fove  quod  est  frlgidum, 
Rege  quod  est  devium  ! 

Da  tuis  fidelibus 
In  te  confitentibus 
Sacrum  septenarium  ; 
Da  virtutis  meritum, 
Da  salutis  exitum, 
Da  perenne  gaudium  ! 


To  The  Holy  Spirit. 

ROBERT,  KING  OF  FRANCE. 


This  beautiful  hymn  is  the  production  of  Robert,  King  of  France,  the  son 
of  Hugo  Capet.  He  was  born  in  971  and  died  in  103 1.  The  gentleness  of  his 
disposition  was  unfitted  to  contend  with  the  turbulent  spirit  of  the  times.  This 
hymn  holds  a  high  place  in  the  estimation  of  scholars,  being  considered  as  first 
in  loveliness  among  the  sacred  compositions  of  the  Middle  Ages. 


TO  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT. 


Holy  Spirit,  quickl^^  come, 
Hasten  from  thy  heavenly  home, 
Rays  of  thine  effulgence  dart ; 
Father  of  the  humble  poor, 
Bounteous  Giver  of  thy  store, 
Come,  Enlightener  of  the  heart. 

Comforter,  supremely  kind, 
Sweet  Indweller  of  the  mind, 
Well-spring  of  the  soul's  relief, 
Bringing  to  the  weary,  rest. 
Calmness  to  the  troubled  breast. 
Solace  in  the  time  of  grief. 


Radiance  of  the  light  divine. 
Let  thy  full  resplendence  shine 
Through  the  closets  of  our  hearts; 
Man  without  thy  aid  is  naught, 
Wholly  vile,  with  evil  fraught, 
Save  the  good  thy  grace  imparts. 


203 


204 

What  is  filthy,  purify, 
Irrigate  whate'er  is  dry, 
What  is  hurt,  to  heahh  restore ; 
Overcome  my  stubborn  will, 
Warm  whate'er  in  me  is  chill, 
Guide  me,  that  I  stray  no  more. 


Give  to  all  who  trust  in  Thee, 
Walking  in  humility. 
Seven  graces  of  thy  love ; 
Grant  the  meed  of  perfect  faith, 
Victory  in  the  hour  of  death, 
Grant  unfailing  bliss  above. 


Hymxus  Pextecostalis. 

HILARIUS. 


HYMNUS  PENTECOSTALIS. 


Beata  nobis  gaudia 
Anni  reduxit  orbita, 
Cum  Spiritus  paraclitus 
Illapsus  est  discipulis. 


Ignis  vibrante  lumine 
Linguae  figuram  detulit, 
\^erbis  ut  essent  prortui. 
Et  charitate  fervidi. 


Linguis  loquuntur  omnium 
Turbse  pavent  gentilium : 
Musto  madere  deputant, 
Ouos  Spiritus  repleverat. 

Patrata  sunt  hose  mystice, 
Paschse  peracto  tempore. 
Sacro  die  rum  circulo. 
Quo  lege  fit  remissio. 


2o8 


Te  nunc,  Deus  piissime, 
Vultu  precamur  cernuo : 
Illapsa  nobis  coelitus 
Largire  dona  Spiritus ! 


Dudum  sacrata  pectora 
Tua  replesti  gratia, 
Dimitte  nostra  crimina, 
Et  da  quieta  tempora  ! 


Pentecostal  Hymn. 

HILARY. 


Hilary  was  born  in  Poictiers  and  became  Bishop  about  A.  D.  350.  In 
356  he  defended  Athanasius  in  the  Council  of  Beziers.  For  this  the  Arians 
induced  Constantius  to  banish  him  to  Phrygia.  The  East  was  intensely  Arian, 
and  Hilary,  noting  the  wonderful  effect  of  the  hymns  sung  in  the  Eastern 
Churches,  resolved  to  turn  it  to  account.  Relieved  from  banishment,  he  in- 
troduced singing  into  the  Wesfern  congregations,  and  has  therefore  been  called 
the   Father  of  their  hymnology.      He  died  about  368. 


PENTECOSTAL  HYMN. 


The  rolling  year  brings  back  the  time, 
With  blessed  joys  replete, 
When  on  the  waiting  twelve  came  down 
The  Holy  Paraclete. 

The  fire,  in  quivering  tongues  of  flame. 
Descending  sat  on  each. 
To  fill  with  fervency  of  love 
And  fluency  of  speech. 

To  every  race,  in  every  tongue, 

They  spoke  with  power  divine  ; 

Some  trembling  heard — some  mocking  said 

That  they  were  drunk  with  wine. 

W^hen  Pentecost  was  fully  come 
This  marvel  wrought,  they  see, 
That  thus  the  sacred  round  of  days 
Should  bring  our  jubilee. 


212 

On  us,  O  God  most  merciful, 
With  bended  heads  we  pray, 
That  Thou  wilt  of  thy  Spirit  pour 
Abundantly,  to-day. 

As  once  thy  heavenly  grace  did  fill 
Each  consecrated  breast, 
Forgive  what  we  have  done  amiss 
And  keep  us  in  thy  rest. 


HyxMnus  de  Ascensione  Domini. 

AMBROSIANI. 


HYMNUS  DE  ASCENSIOxXE  DOMINI. 


lesu,  nostra  redemptio, 
Amor  et  desiderium, 
Deus  creator  omnium, 
Homo  in  fine  temporum  ; 

Quae  te  vicit  dementia 
Ut  ferres  nostra  crimina. 
Crudelem  mortem  patiens 
Ut  nos  a  morte  tolleres, 

Inferni  claustra  penetrans, 
Tuos  captivos  redimens, 
Victor  triumpho  nobili 
Ad  dextram  patris  residens  ? 

Ipsa  te  cogat  pietas, 
Ut  mala  nostra  superes 
Parcendo,  et  voti  compotes 
Nos  tuo  vultu  saties. 

Tu  esto  nostrum  gaudium, 
Qui  es  futurus  praemium, 
Sit  nostra  in  te  gloria 
Per  cuncta  semper  saecula. 

215 


Ascension  Hymn. 

AMBROSE. 


Whether  this  hymn  was  written  by  Ambrose  is  perhaps  doubtful,  though 
it  is  confidently  ascribed  to  him  by  antiquarians.  He  was  born  at  Treves, 
about  340,  at  which  place  his  father  resided  as  Prsefect.  He  was  educated  at 
Rome  for  an  advocate,  and  pursued  his  profession  there  for  several  years. 
Thence  he  was  sent  to  Liguria  as  Consular  Prsefect  and  lived  at  ^lilan,  where, 
on  the  death  of  Auxentius,  he  was  chosen  Bishop.  He  was  the  chief  spiritual 
instructor  of  the  celebrated  Augustine.  It  is  narrated  that  when  he  was  a 
child  a  sw-arm  of  bees  settled  on  his  lips,  from  which  his  father  predicted 
his   future  greatness.     He  died    April   4,  A.  D.  397,  at    Milan, 


ASCENSION  HYMN. 


O,  Jesus,  who  our  debt  hast  paid, 

Our  chief  desire  and  praise, 

Both  God,  by  whom  were  all  things  made, 

And  Man,  in  end  of  days  ; 

What  strength  of  pity  did  constrain 
Our  guilt  to  underlie. 
And  gave  thee  to  a  death  of  pain 
That  we  mig^ht  never  die  ? 

The  gates  of  darkness  vainly  tried 
To  stay  redeeming  love. 
Triumphant,  thou  dost  sit  beside 
The  Majesty  above. 

Let  love  still  urge  thee  to  subdue 
Our  evil  hearts,  through  grace, 
And  grant  us,  satisfied,  to  view 
In  righteousness  thy  face. 

Abide  in  us,  a  present  joy, 

Who  our  reward  wilt  be, 

And  may  thy  praise  our  tongues  employ 

Throughout  eternity. 


219 


Hymnus  ad  Laudes. 

GREGORIUS  MAGNUS. 


HYMNUS  AD  LAUDES. 


Ecce  iam  noctis  tenuatur  umbra, 
Lucis  aurora  rutilans  coruscat, 
Nislbus  totis  rogltemus  omnes 
Cunctipotentem, 

Ut  Deus  noster  miseratus  omnem 
Pellat  angorem,  tribuat  salutem, 
Donet  et  nobis  pietate  patris 
Regna  polorum. 

Praestet  hoc  nobis  Deitas  beata 
Patris  ac  Nati  pariterque  Sancti 
Spiritus,  cuius  reboat  per  omnem 
Gloria  mundum. 


Hymn  at  Lauds. 

GREGORY  THE  GREAT. 


'D 


Gregory  I.,  surnamed  The  Great,  was  born  at  Rome.  By  Justin  II.  he 
was  appointed  Prsefect  of  Rome  in  573.  On  the  death  of  his  father  he 
quitted  the  office.  At  the  death  of  Pelagius  II.  he  was  chosen  Pope  and 
was  installed  September  3,  595.  Soon  afterward  he  engaged  in  a  controversy 
with  John,  of  Constantinople,  who  arrogated  to  himself  the  title  of  "  Universal 
Bishop,"  and,  in  opposition,  took  for  himself  the  style  of  "  Servant  of  Ser- 
vants." He  was  specially  devoted  to  the  foundation  of  monasteries  and  the 
enforcement  of  the  celibacy  of  the  clergy.  In  596  he  sent  Augustine,  generally 
called  Austin,  to  England,  to  convert  those  who  were  still  heathens.  He 
paid  special  attention  to  the  cultivation  of  church  music,  and  from  him  the 
Gregorian  chant  derives    its  name.      He  died    March    12,  A.    D.   604. 


HYMN    AT   LAUDS. 


The  shades  of  night  now  steal  away 
And  rosy  dawn  leads  forth  the  day ; 
To  Him,  with  wrestling,  let  us  pray, 
Who  is  Almighty, 

That  God  to  us  may  pity  show, 
From  evil  keep  us  here  below, 
And,  through  the  Father's  love,  bestow 
Mansions  in  heaven. 


Vouchsafe  these  blessings,  Father,  Son, 
Coequal  Spirit,  Three  in  One, 
Whose  name  be  praised,  whose  will  be  done 
Now  and  forever. 


227 


In  Quadragesima. 


GREGORIUS  MAGNUS. 


IN  QUADRAGESIMA. 


Audi,  benlgne  conditor, 
Nostras  preces  cum  fletibus 
In  hoc  sacro  ieiunio 
Fusas  quadragenarlo. 

Scrutator  alme  cordlum. 
Infirma  tu  scis  virium, 
Ad  te  reversis  exhibe 
Remissionis  gratiam. 

Multum  quidem  peccavimus, 
Sed  parce  confitentibus ; 
Ad  laudem  tui  nominis 
Confer  medelam  languidls. 

Sic  corpus  extra  conteri 
Dona  per  abstinentiam, 
leiunet  ut  mens  sobria 
A  labe  prorsus  criminum. 


Hymn  in  Lent. 

GREGORY  THE  GREAT. 


This  hymn  is  confidently  attrilnited  to  Gregory. 


HYMN  IN  LENT. 


Kind  Author  of  our  beinor,  hear 

The  prayers  poured  out  with  many  a  tear, 

As,  mindful  of  thy  trial  past, 

We  keep  this  sacred  lenten  fast. 

Blest  Searcher  of  the  human  heart, 
Who  seest  us  weak  in  every  part. 
Give  all  who  turn  to  seek  thy  face 
Remission  through  thy  pardoning  grace. 

Though  oft  thy  law  we  have  transgressed. 
Forgive  what  humbly  is  confessed, 
And  heal  the  sick  who  healino-  claim 
In  honor  of  thy  holy  name. 

And  grant  that  each  by  fast  and  prayer 
May  mind  and  body  so  prepare 
That  outward  flesh  and  soul  within 
Shall  be  without  the  taint  of  sin. 


235 


De  Epiphania. 

GREGORIUS  MAGNUS. 


DE  EPIPHANIA. 


Nuntium  vobis  fero  de  supernis, 
Natus  est  Chrlstus,  dominator  orbis, 
In  Bethlem  ludae,  veluti  propheta 
Dixerat  ante. 


Hunc  canit  laetus  chorus  ano^elorum, 
Stella  declarat,  venlunt  Eoi 
Princlpes  dignum  celebrare  cultum, 
Mystica  dona. 

Thus  Deo,  myrrham  trocleten  humando, 
Bracteas  regi  chryseas  tulere, 
Dum  colunt  unum,  meminere  trino 
Tres  dare  terna. 


239 


Epiphany. 

GREGORY  THE  GREAT. 


^F 


Gregory  is    understood  to  have    composed  this  hymn.     It  is  old. 


EPIPHANY. 


Good  tidings  from  on  high  I  bring, 
In  Bethlehem,  as  prophets  sing. 
Through  earth  to  rule  is  born  your  King, 
Christ,  the  Messiah. 

His  advent,  angels  chant  to-day. 
The  star  goes  forth  to  lead  their  way 
Who  come  with  gifts  to  own  his  sway, 
Kings  from  Chaldea. 

Their  mystic  gifts  the  three  unfold. 
The  Man  gets  myrrh,  the  King  has  gold, 
The  God,  frankincense,  but  behold 
Three  to  the  Triune. 


243 


Phcenix  Exspirans. 

AUCTOR  INCERTUS. 


PHCENIX  EXSPIRANS. 


Tandem  audite  me, 
Slonis  fillae  ! 
/Egram  respicite, 
Dllecto  dicite : 
Amore  vulneror, 
Amore  funeror. 

Fulcite  floribus 
Fessam  languoribus 
Stipate  citreis 
Et  malis  aureis : 
Nimis  edacibus 
LIquesco  faclbus. 

Hue  odoriferos, 
Hue  soporiferos 
Ramos  depromite: 
Rogos  eomponite : 
Ut  phoenix  moriar, 
In  flammis  oriar  ! 

247 


248 

An  amor  dolor  sit, 
An  dolor  amor  sit, 
Utrumque  nescio  ! 
Hoc  unum  sentio  : 
lucundus  dolor  est, 
Si  dolor  amor  est. 

Quid,  amor,  crucias  ? 
Aufer  inducias  ! 
Lentus  tyrannus  es : 
Momentum  annus  est 
Tam  tarda  funera 
Tua  sunt  vulnera  ! 

lam  vitae  stamina 
Rumpe,  O  anima  ! 
Ignis  ascendere 
Gestit,  et  tendere 
Ad  coeli  atria : 
Haec  mea  patria ! 


The  Dying  Phcenix. 

AUTHOR  UNKNOWN. 


The  author  is  unknown.  The  fable  of  the  Phoenix  is  engrafted  on  the 
Song  of  Solomon.  The  effort  to  spiritualize  a  poem  whose  literal  sense 
indicates  only  an  impassioned  epithalamium,  has  produced  many  strange  con- 
ceits, of  which  this  hymn  is  a  specimen. 


THE  DYING  PHCENIX. 


Ye  daughters  of  Zion 
Give  ear  to  my  cry, 
Go,  tell  my  beloved 
How  weary  am  I : 
By  love  I  am  wounded, 
With  loving  I  die. 

Now  comfort  with  apples. 
My  languor  dispel, 
Refresh  me  with  flowers 
And  mandrake's  sweet  smell 
I  melt  with  the  fervor 
Of  loving  too  well. 

With  citron  consume  me 
And  odorous  fir, 
With  boughs  of  frankincense 
And  branches  of  myrrh : 
I  burn  as  the  Phoenix 
Renewed  to  appear. 

251 


252 

If  love  breedeth  sorrow, 
Or  sighing  doth  grow, 
I  ask  not — I  care  not, 
This  only  I  know, 
That  love  is  so  blissful 
I  welcome  its  woe. 

Why,  love,  dost  thou  torture  ? 

No  longer  delay  ; 

The  moments  are  ages 

As  lingers  thy  sway 

When  hearts  thou  hast  wounded 

Waste  slowly  away. 

The  cords  that  detain  thee 
Now  burst  with  desire, 
And  hasten,  my  Spirit, 
To  mount  with  the  fire. 
And  upward  and  homeward 
To  heaven  aspire. 


De  Vita  Hominis. 

ALANUS  INSULANUS.     . 


DE  VITA  HOMINIS. 


Vita  nostra  plena  bellis : 
Inter  hostes,  inter  arma 

More  belli  vivitur  ; 
Nulla  lux  it  absque  pugna, 
Nulla  nox  it  absque  luctu, 

Et  salutis  alea. 

Sed  timoris  omnis  expers, 
Stabo  firmus  inter  arma, 

Nee  timebo  vulnera  ; 
Non  morabor  hostis  iras, 
Non  timebo  publicasve, 

Callidasve  machinas. 

Ecce !  coeli  lapsus  arcu 
Atque  spissa  nube  tectus 

Rector  ipse  siderum  : 
Contra  saevos  mentis  hostes 
Proeliantem  me  tuetur, 
Bella  pro  me  suscipit. 


256 

Franget  arcus  et  saglttas, 
Ignibusque  sempiternis 

Arma  tradet  hostium  : 
Ergo  stabo  sine  metu, 
Generose  superabo 

Hostium  saevitiam. 


The  Life  of  Man. 

ALAN  DE  L'ISLE. 


H 


Alan  de  L'Isle  is  understood  to  have  been  a  native  of  Ryssel,  in  Flanders, 
now  Lille,  in  France,  where  he  was  born  A.  D.  1114.  By  some  historians 
he  is  id:;ntified  with  Alan  of  Flanders,  who  was  first  a  monk  at  Clairvaux, 
under  St.  Bernard,  in  1128,  and  afterwards,  in  1152,  Bishop  of  Auxerre,  but 
this  opinion  is  now  generally  rejected.      He  died  about   1200. 


THE  LIFE  OF  MAN. 


A  battle-field  is  human  life  ; 
Beset  with  foes,  begirt  with  strife, 
Alarums  round  me  roll : 
At  dawn  begins  the  daily  fight. 
Renewed  in  every  watch  of  night, 
With  hazard  to  my  soul. 

Devoid  of  fear  I  firmly  stand. 

Though  compassed  round  on  every  hand, 

If  wounded,  undismayed  ; 

Before  the  foe  yield  nothing  back. 

Nor  dread  to  meet  his  bold  attack 

Or  cunning  ambuscade. 

By  clouds  concealed  from  hostile  eyes. 
Now  down  the  bow  that  spans  the  skies. 
The  Ruler  of  the  stars, 
Who  sees  how  hard  the  foemen  press, 
Brings  succor  to  my  sore  distress 
And  undertakes  my  wars. 


259 


26o 

Their  bows  and  arrows  He  will  break, 
And  cast  into  the  burning  lake 
Their  panoply  and  pride  ; 
Thus  re-enforced  I  bide  their  shock, 
And  hurl  them  backward,  as  the  rock 
Hurls  back  the  surging  tide. 


De  Resurrectione. 

AUCTOR  IXCERTUS. 


DE  RESURRECTIONE. 


Plaudite  coeli, 
Rideat  aether, 
Summus  et  imus 
Gaiideat  orbis ! 
Transivit  atrae 
Turba  procellae : 
Subiit  almae 
Gloria  palmae  ! 

Surgite  verni, 
Surgite  flores, 
Germina  pictis 
Surgite  campis, 
Teneris  mixtae 
Violls  rosae, 
Candida  sparsis 
Lilia  calthis ! 

Currite  plenis, 
Carmina,  venis  ! 
Fundite  laetum, 
Barbytha,  metrum 

263 


264 

Namque  revixit, 
Sicuti  dixit, 
Pius  illaesus 
Funere  lesus  ! 

Plaudite  montes, 
Ludite  fontes ; 
Resonent  valles, 
Repetunt  coUes : 
"lo  revixit, 
Sicuti  dixit, 
Pius  illaesus 
Funere  lesus." 


The  Resurrfxtion. 

AUTHOR  UNKNOWN. 


The  author  of  this  hymn   is  unknown.       It  is  placed  from  the  fourteenth 
to  the  sixteenth  century. 


THE  RESURRECTION. 


Laud  be  in  heaven, 
Hosannahs  In  air, 
Praise  and  rejoicing 
In  earth  everywhere ; 
Spent  is  the  tempest 
And  now  in  the  calm 
Stands  in  its  beauty 
The  glorious  Palm. 

Gay  be  the  meadows 
Exhaling  perfume. 
Garnished  with  verdure 
And  studded  with  bloom, 
Buttercups  mingling 
With  marigolds'  sheen, 
Roses  with  lilies 
And  heart' s-ease  between. 

Pour  out  the  treasures 
Of  lute  and  of  song, 
Let  the  glad  measures 
Go  bounding  along ; 


267 


268 

Now  he  hath  risen 

As  ever  he  said, 

Jesus  is  risen 

Unharmed  from  the  dead. 

Valley  and  fountain 
Take  up  the  refrain, 
Hill-side  and  mountain 
Re-echo  the  strain  ; 
Lo,  he  hath  risen 
As  ever  he  said, 
Jesus  is  risen 
Unharmed  from  the  dead." 


Urbs  Beata. 

AUCTOR  INCERTUS. 


URBS  BEATA. 


Urbs  beata  lerusalem  dicta  pads  visio, 
Quae  construitur  in  coelis  vivis  ex  lapidibus, 
Et  angelis  coronata,  velut  sponsa  nobilis. 

Nova  veniens  a  coelo,  nuptiali  thalamo 
Praeparata,  ut  sponsata  copuletur  Domino ; 
Plateae  et  muri  eius  ex  auro  purissimo. 

Portae  nitent  margaritis,  adytis  patentibus ; 

Et  virtute  meritorum  illuc  introducitur 

Omnis,  qui  ob  Christi  nomen  hoc  in  mundo  premitur. 

Tunsionibus,  pressuris  expoliti  lapides 
Suis  coaptantur.  locis  per  manum  artificis, 
Disponuntur  permansuri  sacris  aedificiis. 

Angulare  fundamentum  lapis  Christus  missus  est, 

Qui  compage  parietum  in  utroque  nectitur, 

Quem  Sion  sancta  suscepit,  in  quo  credens  permanet. 


The  Blessed  City. 

AUTHOR  UNKNOWN. 


^K 


This  hymn  is  from  an  unknown  source.  It  is  placed  in  the  seventh  or 
eighth  century.  There  are  three  additional  stanzas  puUished,  but  as  the 
genuineness  of  the  last  two  is  disputed,  and  the  other  is  somewhat  inferior  in 
merit  and  unnecessary  to  the  completeness  of  the  description,  I  have  omitted 
them. 


THE  BLESSED  CITY. 


Attired  as  if  a  royal  bride, 
Amid  the  heavenly  lands, 
Jerusalem,  the  sight  of  peace. 
Our  holy  city,  stands 
With  garniture  of  living  stones 
And  crowned  by  angel  hands. 


Now,  for  the  marriage  of  the  Lamb, 

Behold  her  ready  made, 

For  out  of  heaven,  from  God,  she  comes 

In  nuptial  garb  arrayed. 

Her  streets  illumed  with  crystal  light. 

With  gold  her  pavements  laid. 


Through  gates  of  pearl,  unclosed  by  day. 

And  there  is  never  night. 

His  saints,  to  whom  the  name  of  Christ 

In  earth  has  brought  despite. 

And  who  have  His  commandments  done. 

May  enter  in  of  right. 


275 


2/6 

The  precious  stones  that  grace  her  courts 

Are  fashioned  first  with  care, 

Till  each  by  line  and  hammer-stroke 

Is  wrought  exactly  square, 

Then  setded  by  the  Builder's  hand 

Remain  forever  there. 


Her  twelve  foundations  four-square  lie, 

With  Christ  the  corner-stone, 

By  which  the  walls  on  every  side 

Are  firmly  joined  in  one; 

In  whom  our  sacred  Zion  trusts 

And  stands  through  faith  alone. 


De  Gaudiis  Ccelestibus. 

THOMAS   A   KEMPIS. 


DE  GAUDIIS  CCELESTIBUS. 


Astant  angelorum  chori, 

Laudes  cantant  creator! ; 

Regem  cernunt  in  decore, 

Amant  corde,  laudant  ore, 

Tympanlzant,  cltharlzant. 

Volant  alls,  stant  in  scalis, 

Sonant  nolis,  fulgent  stolis 

Coram  summa  Trinitate, 

Clamant :  Sanctus,  Sanctus,  Sanctus  ; 

Fugit  dolor,  cessat  planctus 

In  superna  civitate. 

Concors  vox  est  omnium 

Deum  collaudantlum  ; 

Fervet  amor  mentium 

Clare  contuentium 

Beatam  Trinitatem  in  una  Deitate ; 

Ouam  adorant  Seraphim 

Ferventi  in  amore, 

Venerantur  Cherubim 

Ingenti  sub  honore  ; 

Mirantur  nimis  Throni  de  tanta  maiestate. 


279 


28o 

O  quam  praeclara  reglo, 
Et  quam  decora  leglo 
Ex  ano^eiis  et  hominibus  ! 
O  gloriosa  civitas, 
In  qua  summa  tranquillitas, 
Lux  et  pax  in  cunctis  finlbus  ! 
Gives  huius  civitatis 
Veste  nitent  castitatis, 
Legem  tenent  caritatis, 
Firmum  pactum  unitatis. 
Non  laborant,  nil  ignorant ; 
Non  tentantur,  nee  vexantur ; 
Semper  sani,  semper  laeti, 
Cunctis  bonis  sunt  repleti. 


The  Heavenly  Joys. 


THOMAS  A  KEMPIS. 


Thomas  a  Kempis,  was  born  about  1380  at  Kempen,  in  the  diocese  of 
Cologne,  and  died  July  26,  147 1.  His  family  name  is  generally  known 
as  Hamerken.  Few  men  have  secured  a  more  favorable  judgment  from 
posterity.  His  work  "  De  Imitatione  Christi "  has  been  translated  into  almost 
every  civilized  language.  It  is  stated  that  a  single  collection  made,  in  the 
present  century,  at  Cologne,  though  confessedly  incomplete,  shows  more  than 
500  editions.  John  Wesley  published  a  translation  styled  "  The  Christian's 
Pattern." 


THE  HEAVENLY  JOYS. 


Harpers  harping,  angels  singing, 

Day  and  night  are  anthems  ringing ; 

On  the  King  of  glory  gazing, 

Full  of  love  and  ever  praising, 

Timbrels  sounding,  harps  responding, 

Rank  on  rank,  with  pinions  streaming. 

Tinkling  bells  and  white  robes  gleaming. 

Laud  the  Triune  countless  legions, 

Holy,  holy,  holy,  crying. 

Free  from  sorrow,  never  dying. 

Dwelling  in  the  heavenly  regions. 

Every  voice,  in  sweet  accord. 

Glory  sings  to  God,  the  Lord  ; 

All  behold,  with  pure  delight. 

Not  through  faith  but  open  sight, 

In  oneness  of  the  Godhead  the  blessed 

Triune  blending; 
Whom  adore  the  Seraphim 
Their  hearts  with  rapture  swelling, 
Whom  revere  the  Cherubim 
In  dignity  excelling. 

While  kingly  Creatures  worship,  in  mid- 
most splendor  bending. 


283 


284 

How  lustrous  are  these  happy  lands ; 

How  beautiful  these  shining  bands, 

Men  redeemed  and  angels  faithful  found ! 

O  Country,  how  supremely  blest, 

Whose  law  of  life  is  perfect  rest, 

Light  and  peace  in  all  whose  ways  abound  ! 

Here,  enfranchised  and  attested, 

All,  with  holiness  invested, 

Dwell  in  bonds,  of  love  united, 

Love  of  each  by  all  requited. 

Never  grieving,  all-perceiving, 

No  temptation,  no  vexation, 

Always  healthful,  ever  joying. 

Filled  with  good  and  nothing  cloying, 


NDEX. 


INDEX. 


The  Resurrection Author  Unknown 5 

St.   Stephen's  Martyrdom Adam  of  St.  Victor 13 

The  Dedication  of  a  Church Same    25 

The  Vanity  of  the  World Bernard  of  Clairvaux 37 

Contempt  of  Worldly  Vanity Same 45 

The  Day  of  Judgment Author  Unknown 53 

The  Mother  at  the  Cross Jacopone  da  Todi 65 

The  Body  of  Christ Thomas  Aquinas 77 

St.  John,  the  Evangelist Author   Unknown 85 

The  Day  of  Wrath Thomas  of  Celano 97 

Vox  Gratiae 109 

The   Epiphany Prudentius 113 

The  Nativity Jean  Mauburne 121 

Paul Peter  Damiani 129 

Let  there  be  Lights Peter  Abelard 137 

Supplication  to  the  Lord Marbod t  45 

The  Heavenly  Zion Hildebert  of  Tours 153 

The  Cross Author  Unknown 1 6 1 

The  Incarnation Adam  of  St.  Victor 169 

Martyrdom  of  St.  Laurentius Same 177 

The  Holy  Evangelists Same 185 

To  The  Holy  Spirit Robert,   King  of  France ....  197 

287 


288 

Pentecostal  Hymn Hilary 205 

Ascension  Hymn      Ambrose .213 

Hymn  at  Lauds Gregory  the  Great 221 

Hymn  in  Lent Same 229 

Epiphany Same 237 

The  Dying  Phoenix Author  Unknown 245 

The  Life  of  Man Alan  de  L'Isle 253 

The  Resurrection Author  Unknown 261 

The  Blessed  City Same 269 

The  Heavenly  Joys Thomas  a  Kempis 277 


